Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, a former pop star, has emerged as one of the strongest critics of President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, is set to face President Museveni again in a presidential election scheduled for 15 January. The 43-year-old musician-turned-politician has gained strong support among young Ugandans, many of whom make up a large share of the country’s population.
Raised in the Kamwokya slum of Kampala, Bobi Wine often refers to himself as the “ghetto president”. His political message focuses on youth unemployment, human rights, and democratic reforms. Supporters say his background and music career make him relatable to ordinary citizens.
Since entering politics about a decade ago, Bobi Wine has faced repeated arrests and criminal charges. He has previously been detained over allegations including illegal possession of firearms and treason, cases that were later dropped. In 2021, police also fired at his vehicle during a campaign event, an incident that sparked public outrage.
International attention has followed his treatment. In 2018, several global musicians called for his release from detention, describing the charges against him as politically motivated. Ugandan authorities have denied this, saying arrests involving Bobi Wine and members of his National Unity Platform (NUP) were carried out to maintain law and order.
President Museveni, now 81, first took power in 1986 after leading a rebel movement. He has accused Bobi Wine of organising violent rallies in densely populated areas, an allegation the opposition leader strongly denies.
Before politics, Bobi Wine built a successful music career, describing his style as “edutainment”, combining entertainment with social messages. His popularity helped propel him into parliament in 2017, when he won a by-election by a large margin as an independent candidate.
As the election approaches, analysts say the contest highlights a generational divide in Ugandan politics. While the odds remain stacked against the opposition, Bobi Wine’s rise continues to challenge the long-established political order in Uganda.
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