A pop star and leader of the opposition in Uganda, known as Bobi Wine, wants to challenge the incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni, in the Ugandan elections scheduled for 2021.
Who is Bobi Wine?
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is a 37-year-old pop star, politician, businessman and philanthropist. He made his first impression on Ugandan politics in 2017 after he announced his candidacy for parliament and lured voters to the polling booth through a door-to-door campaign. Blindsiding the ruling elite, he won the election and became a legislator representing the Kyaddondo East Constituency.
Wine is the leader of a popular opposition movement known as the “People Power.” For them, the singular goal is to see the exit of Museveni, who has held power since 1986. Wine has said he is taking the step in the 2021 election “on behalf of the people.”
Why is he going against President Museveni?
Museveni has been in power since 1986 and Uganda, under him, continues to endure high levels of corruption, unemployment and poverty. The 74-year-old leader is expected to run again for the presidency in 2021 after parliament passed legislation, removing a clause in the constitution that barred anyone above the age of 75 from being president. If he wins, it will be his 6th consecutive term as president of the country.
Courageous but Afraid
Wine’s candidacy will definitely boost confidence amongst opposition but the pop star is rightfully concerned about his safety. Bobi Wine voiced these fears while narrating what he believes was an attempt on his life in August 2018, where his driver was shot dead in his car during a protest. In an interview with the press, he reportedly said: “I am not blind to the fact that the regime wants me dead and wants me dead as soon as possible.” Authorities have, however, denied there were any targeted attacks on him but have prevented him from holding public rallies or concerts to “protect public order.” Wine also faces charges bordering on treason, annoying the president and disobeying statutory authority, which he has denied.
Common Friend, Common Enemy
The opposition share in Wine’s mission to have the incumbent removed but they are not ready to rally behind him just yet. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate who has been Museveni’s most consistent opponent, suggested that the Wine was not ready for a shot at the presidency. According to the Washington Post: “The opposition is divided, with veteran opposition figures frequently attacking each other in public.” The inability to unite and form one coalition to end Muzeveni’s rule may work against the opposition in 2021 seeing as the votes will be divided.
Uganda has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of power since it gained its independence from Britain in 1962.
