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'From bad to worse': Ugandan opposition figure describes struggle ahead of next year's vote - WTOP News

Ugandan Opposition Leader Bobi Wine Details Dire Struggles Ahead of 2026 Elections

KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda gears up for its pivotal 2026 presidential elections, opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has painted a grim picture of the political landscape, describing a situation that has deteriorated "from bad to worse." In a recent interview, the musician-turned-politician and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) outlined the mounting challenges facing opposition forces, including intensified government crackdowns, economic hardships, and a shrinking space for dissent. With President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African nation since 1986, showing no signs of stepping down, Wine warns that the path to the polls could be fraught with violence, intimidation, and systemic barriers designed to entrench the status quo.

Wine's assessment comes at a time when Uganda's political climate is increasingly polarized. The 2021 elections, which saw Museveni secure yet another term amid widespread allegations of fraud and voter suppression, set a troubling precedent. Opposition candidates, including Wine himself, faced arrests, beatings, and restrictions on campaigning. Reflecting on the past few years, Wine emphasized that the repression has only escalated. "What we experienced in 2021 was brutal, but now it's systematic and more insidious," he said. "The regime is not just targeting leaders; it's suffocating the entire ecosystem of free expression, from journalists to ordinary citizens who dare to speak out."

One of the key issues Wine highlighted is the government's use of security forces to stifle opposition activities. He recounted numerous instances where NUP rallies have been disrupted by police and military personnel, often resulting in arbitrary arrests and injuries. "We've seen our supporters tear-gassed, shot at with rubber bullets, and even live ammunition in some cases," Wine explained. "The message is clear: dissent will not be tolerated." This pattern of violence has been documented by human rights organizations, which report a spike in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances since the last election cycle. Wine himself has been a frequent target, having been arrested multiple times and subjected to what he describes as torture during detentions.

Beyond physical repression, Wine pointed to the economic levers being pulled by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to maintain control. Uganda's economy, while showing some growth in sectors like agriculture and oil exploration, is plagued by high youth unemployment, inflation, and corruption scandals that have eroded public trust. Wine argues that the government is weaponizing these economic woes to discredit the opposition. "They blame us for the hardships, but it's their mismanagement that's left young people without jobs and families struggling to afford basics," he said. "Ahead of 2026, they're ramping up patronage—handing out money and jobs to buy loyalty—while starving opposition strongholds of resources."

The opposition leader also delved into the legal and institutional hurdles that make fair competition nearly impossible. Uganda's electoral laws, Wine claims, are rigged in favor of the incumbent. For instance, the requirement for candidates to secure endorsements from a certain number of districts is often manipulated through bureaucratic delays and intimidation. Moreover, the judiciary, which should serve as a check on executive overreach, has been compromised, according to Wine. "Judges who rule against the government are sidelined or worse," he noted. "We've filed countless petitions challenging illegal arrests and election irregularities, only to see them dismissed or dragged out indefinitely."

Wine's narrative is not just a litany of grievances; it's a call to action for both domestic and international audiences. He stressed the importance of youth mobilization, given that over 75% of Uganda's population is under 30—a demographic that has been the backbone of his support base. Drawing from his background as a reggae artist, Wine has used music and social media to rally this group, turning songs like "Freedom" into anthems of resistance. However, he acknowledges the risks: "Social media is a double-edged sword. The government monitors it closely, and we've seen activists jailed for posts that criticize the regime."

Looking ahead to the 2026 vote, Wine described a multifaceted struggle that extends beyond the ballot box. He warned of potential vote rigging through electronic systems, which were introduced in previous elections amid suspicions of tampering. "We need independent observers, not just from the African Union or the Commonwealth, but truly impartial ones who can call out irregularities in real time," he urged. International pressure, Wine believes, is crucial. He called on Western governments, particularly the United States and European Union, to tie aid and diplomatic relations to improvements in human rights and democratic governance. "Museveni has played the anti-terrorism card to get support, but the real terrorism is against his own people," Wine asserted.

The opposition's strategy, as outlined by Wine, involves building coalitions with other parties and civil society groups to present a united front. Yet, he admitted that internal divisions within the opposition—fueled by egos, regional differences, and infiltration by government agents—pose significant challenges. "Unity is our greatest weapon, but it's also the hardest to achieve," he said. Wine also touched on the role of women in the movement, praising figures like his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, who has faced her own share of harassment while advocating for gender equality and social justice.

In a broader context, Wine's warnings resonate with trends across Africa, where long-serving leaders in countries like Rwanda, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe have similarly clamped down on opposition. Uganda's situation, however, is unique due to its strategic importance in regional security, particularly in countering threats from groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked to the Islamic State. Museveni has leveraged this to portray himself as indispensable, but Wine counters that true stability comes from democratic transitions, not perpetual rule.

Despite the bleak outlook, Wine remains defiantly optimistic. "From bad to worse doesn't mean defeat," he said. "It means we fight harder. The people of Uganda deserve better—a government that serves them, not one that oppresses them." As the election draws nearer, the international community will be watching closely. Will the pressures from within and without force meaningful change, or will the cycle of repression continue? For Wine and his supporters, the struggle is not just about winning an election; it's about reclaiming a nation's future.

This escalating crisis underscores the fragility of democracy in Uganda. Human rights advocates have echoed Wine's concerns, noting that without reforms, the 2026 elections could spark widespread unrest. The government's response has been predictably dismissive, with officials accusing Wine of inciting violence and spreading misinformation. Yet, as protests simmer in urban centers like Kampala and rural areas alike, the tension is palpable.

Wine elaborated on specific incidents that illustrate the worsening conditions. For example, in recent months, several NUP members have been abducted in broad daylight, only to resurface days later with tales of interrogation and beatings. "These are not isolated events; they're part of a coordinated effort to break our spirit," he said. He also highlighted the media blackout, where independent outlets face shutdowns or heavy fines for covering opposition events. "Journalists are walking on eggshells. One wrong story, and you're labeled an enemy of the state."

Economically, Wine pointed to the rising cost of living as a flashpoint. With fuel prices soaring and food inflation hitting double digits, public discontent is growing. The opposition plans to capitalize on this by organizing nationwide campaigns focused on economic justice. "We're not just talking politics; we're addressing the bread-and-butter issues that affect every Ugandan," Wine explained.

On the international front, Wine has been engaging with diaspora communities in Europe and North America, seeking solidarity and funding for legal battles. He recounted a recent trip where he met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., urging sanctions on Ugandan officials implicated in human rights abuses. "The world can't look away. Uganda's fight is a global one for democracy," he emphasized.

As the interview concluded, Wine reflected on his personal journey from ghetto youth to political heavyweight. "I entered politics because I saw my generation being left behind. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, I'm more committed." His words serve as a stark reminder that in Uganda, the road to change is paved with peril, but the resolve of figures like him keeps hope alive amid the darkness.

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Read the Full WTOP News Article at:
[ https://wtop.com/world/2025/07/from-bad-to-worse-ugandan-opposition-figure-describes-struggle-ahead-of-next-years-vote/ ]