Bobi Wine Warns of Protests if Election Is Rigged

Uganda’s opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has warned that he would call for protests if President Yoweri Museveni rigged Thursday’s presidential election. 

Kyagulanyi told AFP that his supporters had been instructed not to wait for official directions before mobilising in such a scenario.

The election, in which over 20 million Ugandans are registered to vote, is expected to see Museveni, 81, continue his four-decade rule, aided by his near-total control of state institutions and security forces.

Kyagulanyi, 43, is making a second attempt at the presidency after alleging that his 2021 campaign faced violent repression and rigging.

He acknowledged that protests could provoke further crackdowns by the government but said he believed sustained nonviolent demonstrations could eventually challenge even violent regimes.

He stressed that his movement had encouraged supporters to remain nonviolent, despite the risks of state violence.

Kyagulanyi also said that while he would welcome external assistance, such as support from the United States, he believed the ultimate responsibility to liberate, govern, and advance Uganda lay with its citizens.

During his campaign, Kyagulanyi’s convoy was met with rapturous crowds in Kampala, with supporters lining the streets despite heavy rain.

Residents have expressed strong backing for his call for political change.

He concluded his final rally by reaffirming that the people, not parliament or authorities, must take action, emphasising his message of solidarity with ordinary Ugandans.