Opposition Candidate Bobi Wine Campaigns In Kampala Neighborhood Of His Childhood Ahead Of Uganda Elections

Bobi Wine, a candidate challenging Uganda’s government, returned to campaign in the Kampala slum that was his childhood home in advance of Thursday’s voting.

This marks Wine’s second attempt to unseat sitting president Yoweri Museveni.

During the 2021 election, Wine secured 35 percent of votes compared to Museveni’s 58 percent, positioning him as a formidable challenger for leadership.

The 43-year-old musician turned political figure enjoys substantial support among urban working-class communities.

However, security forces have violently suppressed his campaign events, deploying tear gas and physically attacking those who attend.

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Museveni’s tenure began in 1986. Constitutional restrictions on terms and age have been eliminated, enabling him to seek office for a seventh consecutive time.

As the leading figure among seven opposition contenders, Wine has encouraged his supporters to remain brave when confronting security forces, though he hasn’t explicitly advocated for protests.

Wine is calling on his base to deliver “protest votes” in significant numbers against Museveni’s political party when voting occurs.

The January 15 general elections will determine both presidential and parliamentary positions.