National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political scene after warning that Ugandans will peacefully rise up if President Yoweri Museveni rigs the 15 January 2026 general election.
Speaking to CNN anchor Zain Asher in an exclusive interview a head of 15th January election , Bobi Wine said the country cannot endure a repeat of the controversial 2021 election, where he claimed victory but accused state institutions of overturning the people’s will.
“Ugandans learned painful lessons in 2021. If the will of the people is stolen again like all signs are showing , citizens will stand up peacefully but firmly and demand for their victory ,” Wine declared.
His remarks come amid escalating tension across the country. Reports indicate over 700 opposition supporters have been arrested in recent months. Rights groups and election observers warn that political space is rapidly shrinking as polling day approaches.
Museveni’s 40-Year Rule Under Spotlight
President Museveni, now 81, first seized power in 1986 after leading a guerrilla rebellion that promised democracy after years of dictatorship. Four decades later, he remains Uganda’s only president known to most citizens and now seeks a seventh election victory, potentially extending his rule into a fifth decade.
Once praised as part of a new generation of African reformist leaders, Museveni’s image has since been clouded by allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of opposition, and prolonged grip on power.
He is currently Africa’s third longest-serving leader.
Museveni faces his strongest challenger yet in Bobi Wine, 43, a pop-star-turned-politician who commands massive youth support. Uganda’s population is strikingly young — 78% under 30 — many grappling with unemployment, high living costs, and demands for economic change.
The two are leading contenders among eight presidential hopefuls, all male. It is their second face-off, following the 2021 election where Museveni was declared winner with 58% against Bobi Wine’s 35%, a poll marred by allegations of vote-rigging and violent crackdowns on opposition supporters.
The campaign season has seen repeated disruption of opposition activities, arrests of activists, and police break-ups of rallies — raising fears over whether voters will freely express their choice.
With youth unemployment soaring, the economy has become a defining issue in this election.
Ugandans head to the polls on Thursday, 15 January 2026.Polling stations open at 7:00am and close at 4:00pm.
Polling stations. All voters in line by closing time will be allowed to cast their ballot
A total of 21.6 million registered voters will take part in three elections:
• Presidential Election — 8 candidates
• Parliamentary Constituency MPs — 353 seats
• Women Representatives — 146 seats (one per district)
As the countdown to voting day intensifies, the nation and the world are watching. Will the process be free and fair, or will Uganda face another disputed outcome?