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Bobi Wine to Be Nominated Today; Setting Up 2026 Rematch With Museveni
KAMPALA– Uganda’s main opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, will be formally nominated this Wednesday as a presidential candidate for the 2026 elections, his party said, setting the stage for a rematch with long-serving President Yoweri Museveni.
“Tomorrow, we proudly raise our national flag as a symbol of patriotism as @HEBobiwine is nominated our presidential candidate,” the National Unity Platform (NUP) said in a statement on Tuesday night, adding that a rally will be held in Nateete under the slogan “A New Uganda Now.”
Bobi, 43, a pop star-turned-politician, first challenged Museveni in the 2021 election, running one of the strongest opposition campaigns in decades.
He lost to Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, but rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud and state intimidation.
His campaign drew international attention as security forces arrested opposition figures and broke up rallies on grounds of violence and flouting campaign rules, leaving dozens dead in pre-election violence.
Bobi’s 2026 nomination comes after days of wrangling with the Electoral Commission, which initially rejected his list of supporters.
NUP last weekend launched a rapid mobilisation drive, resubmitting thousands of signatures that were eventually verified, clearing Bobi for nomination.
Museveni, now 81, was nominated earlier this week to run again on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
He has positioned his campaign on protecting Uganda’s stability and economic gains as the country pushes toward middle-income status.
Bobi’s candidacy represents a generational challenge to Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule.
The contest is expected to test the resilience of Uganda’s electoral system and the ability of the opposition to consolidate momentum against a deeply entrenched and experienced incumbent.
With his nomination secured, Bobi Wine is expected to unveil his campaign strategy focused on governance reforms, fighting corruption, and expanding opportunities for Uganda’s youth.
NUP officials said Wednesday’s rally would serve as a symbolic kickoff to their nationwide mobilisation.
