‘Hounded and Harassed’: Bobi Wine Takes on Uganda’s Long-Time President
With undeniable charisma and an everyman appeal, music star Bobi Wine has become a formidable force in Ugandan politics. Over the past decade, the 43-year-old, born Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has emerged as a significant challenger to President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power for 40 years at the age of 81. Bobi Wine has captured the hearts of young Ugandans, a demographic that represents a significant portion of the country’s population. Growing up in the slums of Kampala, he has embraced the title of ghetto president, focusing his campaigns on critical issues like youth unemployment and human rights.
The Political Landscape Ahead of the Election
On January 15, Bobi Wine will compete against Museveni in a presidential election for the second time. However, the odds are heavily stacked against him:
– Since entering politics, Bobi Wine has faced imprisonment and a series of criminal charges that many view as politically motivated.
– In 2018, international musicians, including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, signed a petition demanding his release after he was detained over alleged illegal possession of firearms.
– Although he faced treason charges, these were eventually dropped.
Public outrage surged in 2021 when police shot at him during his campaign. As Bobi Wine noted in a recent BBC interview, I am the most connected candidate to the population. That is why among the eight candidates, I am the most hounded, I am the most harassed, I am the most feared.
Government Reaction and Accusations
Authorities have consistently denied any politicization of Bobi Wine’s arrests. They claim that detentions are necessary for maintaining law and order. Museveni has accused him of holding violent rallies in populated areas, an allegation Bobi Wine vehemently denies.
– When Museveni assumed office in 1986, Bobi Wine was nearly four years old.
– His grandfather, Yozefu Walakira, hosted Museveni during the tumultuous conflict, showcasing the intricate ties within Ugandan politics.
From Music to Politics: A Personal Journey
Bobi Wine’s upbringing in the Kamwokya slum was shaped by his mother, Margaret Nalunkuuma, a nurse who raised him on the land she bought. His passion for the arts flourished during this period. He graduated from Makerere University in 2003 with a diploma in music, dance, and drama, and went on to develop a music career branded as edutainment, blending entertainment with education.
– His early hit, Kadingo, focused on personal hygiene and helped establish him as a voice for social change.
– Unlike many of his contemporaries, who supported Museveni’s re-election in 2016, Bobi Wine publicly opposed him, releasing the song Situka, urging citizens to take action against misleaders.
In 2017, he entered politics, winning a by-election for the Kyadondo-East constituency as an independent candidate with an overwhelming majority.
The Emergence of the People Power Movement
As he politically mobilized Ugandans, Bobi Wine founded the People Power movement, a grassroots group advocating for democratic and social reforms. Despite obstacles in registering it as a political party, he joined the National Unity Platform (NUP), where he currently serves as president.
In the bitter presidential race of 2021, Bobi Wine lost to Museveni, garnering 35% of the vote compared to Museveni’s 59%. His story was later depicted in a National Geographic documentary, Bobi Wine: The People’s President, which garnered an Oscars nomination.
Challenges Ahead and the Fight for Freedom
Despite his celebrity status, Bobi Wine remains grounded, focusing on his humble background and issues such as corruption and wealth redistribution. However, there are concerns about his ability to lead, given that he lacks a traditional military or ministerial background in a country where the military has played a pivotal role in politics.
Bobi Wine insists, Uganda has been ready for a civilian leader since time immemorial, highlighting that according to the constitution, the military must be subordinate to civilian authority.
As election day approaches, Bobi Wine campaigns across the country in a protective vest and helmet, facing tear gas and water cannons from state security forces. His supporters remain undeterred, braving violence to attend rallies. Bobi Wine affirms, This election is about liberation. It is about freedom; it is about people asserting their voices. We are asking people to come out and protest in the ballot box.
Bobi Wine’s journey as a former pop star turned political leader exemplifies a passionate struggle for democracy in Uganda, making him both a symbol of hope and a target for the regime’s wrath.