Bobi Wine, known as Robert Kyagulanyi, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency in Uganda’s upcoming elections set for January 12, 2026. This declaration was made during an interview on Sunday, marking a significant moment in his political career as he seeks to challenge the current regime.
In the previous elections held in 2021, President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) claimed victory with over 58% of the votes. Bobi Wine, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), received more than 35%, showcasing his growing influence and the desire for change among voters.
Recently, Museveni accused the NUP of electoral fraud, alleging that the party “cheated by one million votes” in the last election. He asserted that he possesses evidence to back these claims and encouraged NUP to pursue legal action if they believe they were wrongfully accused. Museveni pointed to failures in the electronic voting system as a factor contributing to the alleged rigging. In response, Wine’s party has strongly denied these allegations, framing them as an attempt by Museveni to distract from the rising discontent among the electorate.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the leader of the opposition in Uganda’s parliament and a member of NUP, expressed that Museveni’s concerns reflect his anxiety over the increasing support for NUP, especially among younger voters who are eager for political reform and change.
At 80 years old, President Museveni argues that his long-standing leadership provides necessary continuity and stability for Uganda. In contrast, Bobi Wine emphasizes the urgency for transformative change, highlighting that many citizens feel disillusioned and marginalized by the current political system. As the 2026 elections approach, Uganda’s political landscape is set for a heated contest, with Wine’s candidacy symbolizing the aspirations of those calling for democratic reforms and a departure from decades of entrenched governance.