Bobi Wine Voices Concerns over Election Safety Ahead of 2026 Vote

KAMPALA, Uganda — Bobi Wine, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader, has expressed deep concerns about the increasingly dangerous political atmosphere as the country approaches its presidential elections scheduled for January 2026. Wine, born Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, described the current climate as having “gone from bad to worse,” citing threats to his safety and that of fellow activists opposing President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Wine emphasized that the threats he receives from Museveni’s son and army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, are explicit and alarming. Kainerugaba has made public statements that have raised fears for Wine’s safety, including a January post where he claimed he “would cut off” Wine’s head if permitted by his father. Additionally, Kainerugaba faced backlash in May for stating he was holding Wine’s missing bodyguard “in my basement.” When the bodyguard later appeared in court, he was unable to walk without assistance, raising suspicions of torture.

Wine remarked, “It’s a constant reminder that the threat is real, because this is no ordinary person,” referring to Kainerugaba. He highlighted Kainerugaba’s significant power, stating that the general is not only the president’s son but also in charge of the military, police, and prisons, positioning him as someone who operates above the law.

The political situation has escalated, particularly after security forces raided the headquarters of Wine’s political party, the National Unity Platform, last month. Museveni, now 80, has dismissed Wine as an agent of foreign interests and questioned his patriotism. Despite these challenges, Wine has cultivated a substantial support base, particularly among working-class urban residents, and his party currently holds the most seats of any opposition group in Parliament.

In the 2021 election, Wine garnered 35% of the vote, while Museveni received 58%, marking Museveni’s lowest electoral performance to date. Wine has consistently alleged that his victory was undermined by extensive electoral fraud, claims that electoral authorities have denied. His party asserts that many of its supporters have faced imprisonment or disappearance since that election.

As the 2026 elections approach, Wine is rallying his supporters for what he terms a “protest vote” against government corruption and oppression. However, he faces significant obstacles in organizing rallies, often disrupted by security forces citing public order concerns. Kainerugaba has recently stated that government-provided security will be available to all presidential candidates, a warning to those considering private security arrangements.

The political landscape has intensified with Kainerugaba’s stated presidential ambitions, leading to fears of a dynastic rule in a nation that has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence in 1962. Wine commented on the implications of Kainerugaba’s threats, stating, “It speaks of state capture. It speaks of impunity. It speaks of family rule.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Wine insists that his resolve remains strong. “Our resistance has only increased in the face of pressure,” he noted, reinforcing his commitment to challenge the current regime and advocate for change in Uganda’s leadership.

As the political climate continues to evolve, the upcoming elections will be closely watched both locally and internationally, as they will determine the future trajectory of Uganda’s governance and democratic processes.