Kampala, Uganda – Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has officially declared his intention to contest for President of Uganda in the 2026 General Election, setting the stage for another historic political showdown with President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades.
Addressing a charged crowd of supporters and media at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kamwokya, Bobi Wine stated clearly that the time to end the Museveni dictatorship is now.
“If entrusted with the NUP presidential flag, I will lead this country into a new era, one of justice, rule of law, and real democracy,” Kyagulanyi declared. “We will not rest until political prisoners are free, and Uganda belongs to all of us, not just a few.”
This marks the second time Kyagulanyi is offering himself for Uganda’s top seat, after his electrifying debut in 2021 saw him rise from a popstar-turned-legislator into Museveni’s most potent political rival.
In that election, Bobi Wine claimed the process was marred by fraud, brutality, and repression, and challenged the results in the court of the people. He has since continued to mobilize youth, expose corruption, and demand accountability, often facing arrests, bans, and military intimidation.
Now, with a stronger NUP political infrastructure and growing youth support, Kyagulanyi believes 2026 could be the turning point.
“The regime may have the guns, but we have the people,” he said, echoing the resistance rhetoric that has become central to his movement.
Kyagulanyi’s renewed bid is focused on three urgent national priorities, including ending authoritarianism and returning power to the people, freeing political prisoners and halting abductions, torture, and unlawful detentions, creating equal economic opportunity through reforms, especially for youth and the informal sector
He pledged to dismantle sponsorship systems and restore confidence in state institutions, including the judiciary, Parliament, and security agencies.
The announcement comes as political temperatures rise ahead of 2026. President Museveni, now aged 80, is expected to run again under the NRM, with the party confirming he will pick nomination forms on June 28th.
For many Ugandans, especially first-time voters, the Kyagulanyi-Museveni rivalry represents more than an election; it’s a contest between two contrasting visions for Uganda, with continuity vs. change.
“This election is not about me. It’s about the people, the mothers crying for justice, the youth without jobs, the families torn apart by repression,” Kyagulanyi said. “We are not backing down.”
Security forces have been on alert, with NUP activities often met with surveillance or blockades. However, Kyagulanyi urged his supporters to stay peaceful, organized, and courageous.
“They fear our numbers. That’s why they block our rallies and arrest our comrades. But we shall overcome through unity and resilience,” he said.
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