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National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has urged Ugandans not to lose hope in the struggle for democratic change, even in the face of violence, intimidation, and repression. His remarks came in a fiery post-nomination speech on Wednesday after he was officially cleared to run in the 2026 presidential elections.
Kyagulanyi, who was nominated as the sixth candidate by the Electoral Commission (EC), addressed thousands of supporters gathered in Nateete, Kampala. The area was awash with red, the signature color of the NUP, as enthusiastic crowds turned up to welcome their candidate following his clearance earlier in the day.
In his speech, Bobi Wine directly addressed the fears and anxieties many Ugandans face during election periods.
“I know many of you are now asking, why do we go to polls? Why do we risk the tear gas, the bullets, the arrests, the torture chambers, the deaths and all the mess that is awaiting us. My answer to you is, we risk it all because the other alternative is giving up, and that is 10 times worse!” Kyagulanyi declared, drawing thunderous cheers from his supporters.
The opposition leader, who first challenged long-serving President Yoweri Museveni in 2021, framed the 2026 elections as a defining moment for Uganda’s future. He reminded citizens that the fight for freedom and justice often comes at a heavy price but insisted that surrendering to fear would only entrench dictatorship further.
Security forces maintained a heavy presence in and around Nateete, with patrol vehicles, police officers, and plain-clothed security personnel visibly monitoring the rally. Despite the heightened deployment, the event proceeded peacefully, with no major confrontations reported.
During his address, Kyagulanyi also expressed gratitude to his supporters across the country, particularly those who braved intimidation to back his nomination. He promised that his campaign would continue to highlight issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, including youth unemployment, poor healthcare, corruption, and political oppression.
Political analysts note that Kyagulanyi’s message reflects a broader strategy to inspire resilience among opposition supporters, many of whom remain skeptical about the credibility of Uganda’s electoral system under President Museveni’s administration. With Museveni expected to seek re-election after nearly four decades in power, the 2026 race is already shaping up to be one of the most contested in recent history.
For many of Bobi Wine’s supporters, the nomination and his fiery speech symbolized a renewed hope that change is possible. “We know the risks, but we are ready. Uganda belongs to us all, not just a few,” one supporter in Nateete told reporters.
The Electoral Commission is expected to conclude the nomination exercise later this week, after which the official list of presidential candidates will be announced. Campaigns will then commence, ushering in what promises to be a tense and high-stakes election season.
