Uganda's Election: A Critical Showdown Between Museveni and Bobi Wine

Sat Jan 10 2026 10:42:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Uganda prepares for pivotal elections, President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his decades-long rule against the backdrop of rising youth demand for change embodied by challenger Bobi Wine.

Ugandans are heading to the polls on January 15, facing a critical choice between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, and youthful challenger Bobi Wine, a popular musician turned politician advocating for reform. The elections are shadowed by concerns over fairness, with reports of disrupted opposition activities, a youth unemployment crisis, and fears of government suppression leading up to voting day. Voter confidence is further challenged by accusations of historical election rigging amidst a climate of political tension.

As Ugandans go to the polls next week they are faced with a choice of propelling a leader into his fifth decade in power or backing a candidate seeking to capitalise on the desire for change from some quarters.

President Yoweri Museveni, 81, in office since 1986, is aiming for a seventh successive election victory.

His main challenger, pop-star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 43, has promised a revolution in governance and sweeping reforms.

Campaigning has been marked by the disruption of opposition activities, including the detention of activists and the breaking-up of rallies by police.

With high rates of youth unemployment in a country where the majority of the population is under 30, the economy has become a key concern in the campaign.

When is Uganda's general election?

Polling is scheduled for Thursday 15 January. Polls are due to open at 07:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and close at 16:00. Anyone in the queue at that time will be allowed to vote.

What are Ugandans voting for?

The 21.6 million registered voters will be taking part in three elections:

Presidential - there are eight candidates to choose from
Parliamentary (1) - 353 constituency MPs will be elected
Parliamentary (2) - 146 women representatives - one per local district - will be elected

Who could be the next president?

Museveni and Bobi Wine are the two front-runners among the all-male list of eight hopefuls.

This is the second time they are facing off at the ballot box, with the president winning the 2021 poll, marred by allegations of rigging and a crackdown on the opposition, with 58% of the vote compared to Bobi Wine's 35%.

Yoweri Museveni - National Resistance Movement (NRM)

Museveni first took power by force 40 years ago as the leader of a guerrilla army that pledged to restore democracy after years of civil war and the dictatorship of Idi Amin.

Once feted as being part of a fresh generation of African leaders set to usher in a new democratic era, growing accusations of human rights abuses and harassment of opposition figures have soured that perception.

Critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized control and having gone back on pledges to step down, he is the only president most Ugandans have known.

What's at stake?

The elections are pivotal for Uganda's socio-political landscape. Economic issues are weighing heavily on voters, with unemployment a pressing concern amid rising living costs. Additionally, systemic corruption and the lack of transparency threaten the election's integrity.

Bobi Wine has rallied a significant youth following, positioning himself as a beacon of hope for change against Museveni's long-standing regime.

Conclusion

The outcome of this election will have profound implications for Uganda's future trajectory and governance. As voters prepare to make their choice, the international community watches closely, hoping for a fair and transparent electoral process.