KAMPALA, Uganda – In a significant step toward a highly anticipated political rematch, Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was officially nominated on Wednesday as a presidential candidate for the 2026 elections.
The Electoral Commission of Uganda confirmed the nomination of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party leader on September 24, 2025, in the capital, Kampala. The ceremony proceeded after the resolution of a preliminary issue regarding the verification of required signatures.
The event was marked by a significant security presence and large, enthusiastic processions of supporters accompanying the musician-turned-politician as he arrived to sign the official nomination papers.
This nomination formally sets the stage for Bobi Wine to once again challenge incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power in the East African nation since 1986. The upcoming election, scheduled for January 2026, will be a repeat of the 2021 contest, which was marred by allegations of fraud and a violent crackdown on opposition campaigns.
Following the nomination, Bobi Wine expressed his resolve on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Uganda, here we come!” signaling the start of a vigorous campaign.
