By Kabuye Ronald
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has today officially been nominated to contest in Uganda’s 2026 general elections as the flag bearer for the National Unity Platform (NUP). His nomination makes him the sixth candidate to be duly cleared by the Electoral Commission.
This marks Kyagulanyi’s second presidential bid following his landmark run in 2021, where he emerged as the leading opposition figure and primary challenger to long-serving President Yoweri Museveni.
Speaking during his post-nomination address, Kyagulanyi addressed the question many Ugandans have asked: Why participate in an election they claim is neither free nor fair?
“You will ask us why are we contesting in this election, yet we say it’s not fair,” Kyagulanyi said. “We risk it because the alternative is giving up, which is ten times worse. It would be a betrayal of comrades who died, those who are in prison. We have voted before and won before the election, and our victory was rigged. This time is no usual election.”
He emphasized that NUP’s participation in the 2026 elections is not just about winning power, but about galvanizing Ugandans into peaceful political action.
“We are protesting using this election season to rally people in Uganda to express their anger at the ballot box. We are going to use this election to protest peacefully, legally, and we shall rally the people of Uganda to vote massively,” he added.
Kyagulanyi also reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Uganda’s political landscape by offering a real alternative to the status quo.
“We are here to give Ugandans a real choice, to ensure accountability, and to champion service delivery that touches the lives of every citizen,” he said.
