As Uganda gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections in January 2026, Bobi Wine, the musician-turned-politician, hopes to end Yoweri Museveni’s 40-year rule. To do this, Wine and his National Unity Platform (NUP) aim to expand support beyond their strongholds and energize voters with an improved manifesto. However, his charge faces significant challenges, including internal party rifts, limited funding, and a sparse grassroots presence in several regions. While NUP celebrates its 2021 gains and growing visibility, analysts warn that Museveni’s entrenched control of state institutions could thwart any opposition victory. Yet NUP’s momentum signals a potential long-term shift in Ugandan politics, suggesting that even if immediate success is unlikely, Wine’s movement could gradually challenge the long-standing regime in the years to come.
The African Report
