Kampala Lawyer Caleb Alaka Denies Bribery Allegations in 2018 Arua By-Election

KAMPALA | March 25, 2025 — Prominent Kampala lawyer Caleb Alaka has strongly refuted allegations made by veteran politician and former Terego County MP, Hon. Kasiano Wadri, regarding an alleged bribe to National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, during the 2018 Arua Municipality by-election.
Alaka, who was a key supporter of independent candidate Robert Ejiku in that highly contested race, dismissed Wadri’s claims that he facilitated a Shs6 million payment to Bobi Wine to campaign for Ejiku.

 According to Wadri’s recent media interview, Bobi Wine was reportedly given the money as a form of "facilitation" to drive to Arua and rally behind Ejiku. However, Alaka has categorically denied any involvement in such a transaction.
Alaka’s Response
Speaking to the press, Caleb Alaka admitted that he actively supported Robert Ejiku’s candidacy in the by-election that followed the assassination of then-Arua Municipality MP, Col. Ibrahim Abiriga. However, he firmly denied being a conduit for any monetary offer to Bobi Wine.
"I want to make it very clear that I never gave Bobi Wine Shs6 million, whether as a bribe or any other form of facilitation," Alaka stated. 

"While I supported Ejiku’s campaign, I never engaged in any dealings that involved financial inducements to anyone, including Bobi Wine."
Alaka also emphasized that Bobi Wine, at the time, was at the peak of his political influence, having recently led a successful campaign for Hon. Asuman Basalirwa in the Bugiri Municipality by-election. He questioned why a leader of Bobi Wine’s stature would require a small sum like Shs6 million to mobilize support for any candidate.
Background of the 2018 Arua By-Election
The 2018 Arua Municipality by-election was one of the most dramatic political contests in Uganda’s recent history. It was held to replace Col. Ibrahim Abiriga, a staunch supporter of President Museveni, who was assassinated in June 2018.

 The race attracted several high-profile politicians, including Robert Ejiku, FDC’s Bruce Musema, and eventual winner, Kasiano Wadri, who ran as an independent candidate.
The election period was marred by tension and chaos, culminating in the infamous Arua fracas in which security forces violently arrested Bobi Wine and other opposition politicians. 

This incident sparked nationwide outrage and further cemented Bobi Wine’s status as a leading opposition figure.
Kasiano Wadri’s Allegations
Hon. Kasiano Wadri, who ultimately won the by-election, recently made claims during a media interview that Bobi Wine had received Shs6 million through Caleb Alaka as facilitation to support Robert Ejiku’s campaign. 

Wadri’s remarks have sparked political debate, with some questioning the motivations behind his statement.
Alaka, however, insists that the allegations are false and intended to mislead the public. "It is unfortunate that people choose to rewrite history for their own convenience. I challenge Hon. Wadri to provide evidence to support his claims," he asserted.
Reactions from NUP and Political Analysts
While Bobi Wine has yet to personally respond to the claims, sources within the National Unity Platform have dismissed Wadri’s allegations as baseless. One party official, who preferred anonymity, stated that Bobi Wine had no financial motivation to participate in the Arua by-election campaign, as his involvement was driven by political solidarity rather than personal gain.
Political analysts believe Wadri’s statements could be an attempt to discredit Bobi Wine’s integrity or reshape narratives around the 2018 election. 

"Wadri may be trying to rewrite history or settle political scores. However, without concrete proof, these allegations remain speculative," noted political commentator Dr. Moses Khisa.

As political tensions continue to shape Uganda’s landscape ahead of the 2026 general elections, controversies surrounding past elections are likely to resurface. While Caleb Alaka has denied any involvement in bribery, the onus remains on Hon. Kasiano Wadri to substantiate his claims.
For now, the matter remains a subject of political debate, but without tangible evidence, it risks being dismissed as yet another attempt at political mudslinging.