Uganda's Election: A Contest Between Museveni and Bobi Wine

Sat Jan 10 2026 05:44:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Uganda prepares for its upcoming election, President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term against challenger Bobi Wine, who is promising change amid rising concerns over election fairness and economic challenges.

Uganda is set for critical elections where incumbent President Yoweri Museveni faces off against pop-star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. With high youth unemployment and a desire for change, the elections come amidst claims of government repression and concerns over the transparency of the electoral process.

As Ugandans head to the polls next week, they find themselves faced with a decision that could either extend President Yoweri Museveni's over three-decade reign or support challenger Bobi Wine's call for transformation. At the age of 81, Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, aims for a seventh consecutive term, while 43-year-old pop star-turned-political figure Bobi Wine presents himself as the voice of change.

The election, scheduled for Thursday, January 15, will see 21.6 million registered voters participate in choosing their leadership amidst a backdrop of political turbulence. Museveni's campaign has been characterized by increasing suppression of opposition activities, including police crackdowns on rallies and the detention of activists.

The key issues for voters this electoral season include soaring youth unemployment, with a significant portion of the population under 30, and deep-seated economic concerns amplifying calls for reform. Polls open at 07:00 local time and will close at 16:00, with voters in line by closing time still allowed to cast their ballots.

The elections will also cover parliamentary seats; voters will elect 353 constituency MPs and 146 women representatives across local districts.

This electoral cycle marks the second time Museveni and Bobi Wine are pitted against each other. In the previous 2021 election, Museveni secured 58% of the votes amid widespread allegations of irregularities, while Bobi Wine captured 35%.

Museveni, initial a harbinger of democracy after assuming power through armed struggle, has faced growing criticism over human rights violations and the strict control of dissent. His oldest rival, Kizza Besigye, is not running as he remains imprisoned on charges of treason following his arrest in Kenya.

Bobi Wine, having gained popularity and becoming a significant opposition force, continues to evoke hope for many youth disillusioned with the status quo. Amidst escalating fears of a repressive electoral climate, both candidates will be under scrutiny for the integrity of the electoral process, with calls for transparency and accountability echoing louder.