By Michelle Ndaga
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, on Tuesday gathered hundreds of supporters at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kampala for a spirited pre-nomination event ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
The event, held under the banner “Protest Vote 2026,” featured prayers, speeches, and entertainment as Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to turn out in large numbers to challenge President Yoweri Museveni’s 39-year rule.
His nomination was confirmed by the Electoral Commission on September 22 after verification of over 126,000 supporter signatures, clearing the way for his second presidential bid.
Social media buzz has fueled enthusiasm for Kyagulanyi’s campaign, with NUP supporters called upon to wear red attire the party’s trademark color during nomination celebrations.
However, some expressed concerns over the risk of arrests, recalling previous crackdowns on opposition gatherings.
Kyagulanyi, a former musician turned politician, has framed the 2026 race as a fight for freedom and democracy, promising sweeping reforms and an end to what he calls “decades of dictatorship.”
Uganda’s presidential election is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the region, pitting Museveni, who was nominated on the same day, against a growing opposition movement seeking political change.
