National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, was on Wednesday afternoon formally nominated to contest Uganda’s 2026 presidential election, pledging to lead a relentless fight for freedom despite what he described as an “oppressive and militarised regime.”
Tension briefly gripped the nomination grounds at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Lweza, Lubowa, when an advance team of NUP officials—including party secretary general Benjamin Katana—arrived without their flagbearer.
The team accused security agencies of harassing supporters, but calm returned shortly after Kyagulanyi arrived with his wife Barbie Itungo and senior party officials.
The couple stepped out in style - and one good enough that no doubt left the legendary fashion journalist Keturah Kamugasa smiling from the heavens. Bobi kept it sharp in a navy suit with a blazing red tie and pocket square – the kind that says “I mean business, but I’ve still got swag.”
Barbie matched his fire with a sleek white dress cinched by a red belt, complete with a bold fascinator and killer heels. The two looked less like they were heading for politics and more like a red-carpet power couple.
At 2:17pm, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama declared Kyagulanyi duly nominated, clearing him to challenge President Yoweri Museveni. Security was immediately assigned according to protocol.
Speaking to the media in a heavy downpour, Kyagulanyi accused the government of turning state institutions into “tools of oppression.”
“They have rooted every inch of our country and turned all institutions into tools of oppression,” he said.
“Our country will not fall down; our country will stand. Our problem is not a lack of wealth—our problem is a lack of leadership.”
He paid tribute to political prisoners and victims of state brutality. “Hundreds of our brothers and sisters were tortured, many killed, many missing, and yet we still won’t give up,” he said.
“Failure is not an option; we must die trying. We carry the hope of our entire generation—this is a historical calling.”
Kyagulanyi defended participation in what he acknowledged may not be a free or fair election.
“Many of you are asking why we are taking part in this election—because giving up is ten times worse. Even if there is a one percent chance of freedom, we must take it,” he said.
Addressing Ugandans abroad, he stressed their economic importance. “Our people in the diaspora contribute about two billion dollars annually—you are arguably our biggest investors. We are fighting so you can return to roses and not handcuffs,” he said.
He also sent a direct message to President Museveni: “General Museveni, listen to your comrade Kale Kayihura—you don’t have to burn it down. We are not vengeful people; all we want is a free and fair election. Let this election not be a military operation but a democratic process.”
Kyagulanyi urged supporters to remain disciplined and steadfast, declaring: “We will never retire nor give up until we are free.”
He concluded by promising to unveil NUP’s manifesto in the coming days, aiming to usher in a “new Uganda.”
The NUP leader and his team later proceeded to Kaala Grounds in Nateete for the party’s first campaign rally.
