Ugandan opposition leader and pop star Bobi Wine has declared his intention to run for president in the upcoming January 2026 elections. The 43-year-old, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, will face off against long-time President Yoweri Museveni, who is anticipated to seek re-election at the age of 80.
In 2021, Wine participated in the election and finished in second place, but he dismissed the results, claiming there was extensive fraud, ballot stuffing, and violence directed at his supporters. Government officials have refuted these claims. In his recent announcement, Wine highlighted that the upcoming election represents a "fighting opportunity" to reveal what he describes as the regime's corruption and injustices, urging Ugandans to advocate for their freedom. He also strongly criticized Western governments for their silence on human rights violations in Uganda, including the torture and unlawful detention of his supporters.
If elected, Wine states that his primary goals will be to restore political freedoms, combat corruption, and tackle the regime's abuses of power.
If elected, Wine states that his primary goals will be to restore political freedoms, combat corruption, and tackle the regime's abuses of power.
