Uganda: Bobi Wine nominated for 2026 election, urges Museveni to ‘hand over power’

Pop star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi,known as Bobi Wine,was officially nominated on Wednesday (24 September) as a presidential candidate for Uganda’s 2026 general elections,reigniting his high-profile rivalry with long-serving President Yoweri Museveni.

The 43-year-old Wine will represent the National Unity Platform (NUP),becoming the sixth candidate cleared by the Electoral Commission. Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed Wine’s nomination,giving him the green light to campaign ahead of the official start date,28 September. Addressing supporters outside the Commission,Wine urged Museveni to “hand over power peacefully,” warning against further repression and chaos. “Uganda was here before you,and it will be here long after you’re gone,” Wine said. “So,please don’t burn it down on your way out.”

This marks the second showdown between Wine and Museveni,following the controversial 2021 election where Museveni claimed victory with 58%,while Wine trailed with 35% amid widespread allegations of fraud and violence. The 81-year-old Uganda’s strongman is pursuing his seventh term in office,having first taken power in 1986. Backed by the governing National Resistance Movement (NRM) party,he touts economic growth and stability,promising to transform Uganda into a $500 billion economy. Critics,however,accuse him of entrenching autocracy through constitutional changes,military force,and repression. Tensions flared during Wine’s nomination rally in Kampala,where police clashed with his supporters,arresting several NUP members. As the campaign begins,concerns over a free and fair election continue to mount across Uganda.