Ugandan Opposition Candidate Bobi Wine Mobilizes in Kampala Slum Ahead of Presidential Polls. Kampala, Uganda — 2026-01-12 Lead Paragraph: Ugandan opposition candidate Bobi Wine has been actively engaging in his presidential campaign by visiting the slum in Kampala where he was raised, less than a week before the general elections. Wine is seeking to unseat incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Despite facing crackdowns by security forces, Wine has maintained a strong presence among the working class in urban areas. Wine’s campaign has been marked by his connection to the urban poor, which has bolstered his support base.
In the 2021 elections, he garnered 35% of the vote, positioning him as a significant contender against Museveni.
The 43-year-old singer turned politician has been recognized for his democratic efforts, receiving the Geneva Summit Courage Award in 2018.
The government of Uganda has defended its actions during the campaign, arguing that the use of force was necessary to comply with a ban on large crowds to tackle the COVID — 19 pandemic.
However, human rights groups have criticized the security forces’use of excessive force during the campaign, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Bobi Wine has called on his supporters to cast “protest votes “in large numbers against Museveni’s party on election day. He has urged them to show courage before the security forces but has not called for outright protests.
The general elections on 15 January will elect the president and parliament.
The outcome of the upcoming election remains uncertain, with international observers and the Ugandan public closely watching the process.
The reaction of President Museveni to Bobi Wine’s continued challenge and the lasting impact of the allegations of violence and human rights abuses during the 2021 campaign are also questions that remain unanswered. Further details are expected as the election approaches.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
