Another nomination, another step: Bobi Wine’s fight for a new Uganda
Kampala — Uganda’s Electoral Commission on Wednesday officially nominated Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as a candidate in the 2026 presidential elections. Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC chairperson, confirmed that the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader had fulfilled all requirements under the Presidential Elections Act.
“You are now a candidate. Congratulations,” Byabakama declared as he handed Kyagulanyi his nomination certificate.
Tribute to Mama Jolie
In his first remarks after nomination, Bobi Wine paid tribute to the late Mama Jolie Mugisha, NUP’s former deputy president, who passed away on September 24, 2023. “Mama Jolie was always a pillar of strength and courage within us,” Kyagulanyi said, noting that the nomination falling on her death anniversary was no coincidence. “We shall make you proud. We shall never give up your dreams.”
Vision for a new Uganda
The opposition leader sketched a vision of what he called a “new Uganda”, a country where farmers earn fair prices for their produce, traders are not crushed by “exploitative tax regimes,” and citizens can protest injustices without fear of being shot dead.
“That is a Uganda we shall definitely get to,” he declared, promising jobs based on merit rather than political connections and leaders who serve the people, not the other way around.
Bobi Wine promised to unveil NUP’s full manifesto in the coming days, saying it would “paint a clear picture of that new Uganda that we believe is possible in our lifetime.”
NUP’s record and struggle
Reflecting on NUP’s work since 2019, he said the party had achieved much with limited resources, citing the establishment of Uganda’s largest opposition headquarters, the launch of a leadership school, and support for families of political prisoners.
He emphasized that NUP has “refused to be compromised” and had pursued international sanctions against individuals accused of corruption and human rights violations.
Call to the international community
Kyagulanyi extended his appeal beyond Uganda’s borders, urging the international community to support the country’s democratic aspirations. “Uganda’s freedom is not only for Ugandans,” he argued, warning that instability affects neighbors and the wider world.
Message to prisoners and comrades
He saluted jailed and missing activists, including Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners, pledging that their suffering “will never go in vain.”
To his grassroots supporters, whom he called his “shield, eyes, and courage,” he promised discipline, vigilance, and resilience in what he described as a potentially violent campaign ahead.
“War we did not choose”
Framing the election as a generational struggle, Bobi Wine invoked Uganda’s history of bloodshed for independence and liberation. “We are embarking on a long walk to freedom,” he said. “We are facing an enemy armed to the teeth while we are barehanded, armed only with the truth and God.”
He urged supporters not to fear security forces, calling them “victims too,” whose own families also suffer under poor governance.
No room for failure
“Failure is not an option,” Kyagulanyi declared, warning that losing the struggle would condemn future generations to “slavery.” He concluded with a guarantee: “In the end, we shall be free. If everything is not all right yet, then that will not be the end.”
