The incident occurred during a gathering meant to showcase the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) achievements ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Eyewitnesses said the students, many wearing yellow NRM T-shirts and caps, broke into chants of “Bobi! Bobi!” as Museveni addressed the crowd.
Some students were seen discarding NRM campaign materials and waving improvised red cloths — a color closely associated with Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP).
The chants temporarily disrupted proceedings at the Mbale Stadium, where the President had just concluded his remarks on peace, infrastructure development, and health improvements under his administration.
The students were reportedly drawn from Mbale High School, Nkoma Secondary School, and other nearby institutions. Several witnesses told reporters that the youth had been transported to the venue in school buses under the supervision of local education and NRM officials.
“They came in groups, most of them in uniform, but when Museveni began speaking, you could hear the chants rising from the student section. They were shouting ‘Bobi Bobi’ loudly and waving their hands,” said one attendee who requested anonymity.
The incident has reignited debate over the involvement of students in political campaigns. Critics have long accused ruling party organizers of mobilizing schoolchildren to fill campaign venues, arguing that such practices undermine both education and democratic freedom.
On social media, clips from the rally quickly went viral, showing cheering youths in yellow attire joining in the chant.
Opposition supporters celebrated the moment as evidence of shifting sentiment among Uganda’s young population, many of whom face unemployment and frustration with the country’s political status quo.
A statement shared by an NUP mobilizer in Eastern Uganda said the chants were “a symbol of resistance” and proof that the youth are ready for change.
“You can force people to attend a rally, but you cannot force them to believe,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, government officials downplayed the incident, saying it was exaggerated by opposition sympathizers and online activists.
An NRM regional coordinator told reporters that the students were “excited” and that their chanting had been taken out of context.
“The President’s message on youth empowerment resonated strongly, and sometimes young people express enthusiasm in different ways,” he said.
However, local leaders in Mbale expressed concern about the use of students in political mobilization efforts.
“We should not be using learners as political tools,” said a teacher from one of the mentioned schools, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal.
“These students were told to attend a civic event, but it turned into a campaign. It’s clear many of them identify with Bobi Wine’s message of freedom and opportunity.”
The Mbale rally was part of President Museveni’s ongoing nationwide campaign to secure a seventh term in office.
His speeches have focused on his government’s record in stabilizing Uganda and improving infrastructure, especially roads and health facilities in rural areas.
Yet, the scenes in Mbale highlighted the growing challenge the NRM faces in winning over younger voters, who make up the majority of the population.
Political analysts say the incident underscores the generational divide shaping Uganda’s 2026 election. “The chants in Mbale were symbolic,” said political commentator Sarah Kuteesa.
“They reflect a wider frustration among young people who feel excluded from political and economic opportunities. Even in areas once considered NRM strongholds, that sentiment is becoming more visible.”