National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has been officially nominated by the Electoral Commission to contest in the 2026 presidential elections. This marks his second attempt at the country’s top seat, following his first bid in 2021.
Speaking shortly after his nomination this afternoon, Bobi Wine vowed to continue the fight for change despite the risks and challenges.
“We will fight until we win. This is not about when. We will never give up. In the end, we shall be free. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” he told supporters, adding that NUP is determined to push for the transformation Ugandans deserve.
Bobi Wine described Ugandans as hardworking, resourceful, and energetic, but said the nation’s potential has been held back by poor governance.
“Our country is one of the richest in natural resources. The problem is not a lack of wealth — it is a lack of leadership. Leadership that serves people instead of exploiting and terrorising them, that is what we deserve,” he said.
Reflecting on his first presidential attempt, he noted that many NUP supporters suffered brutal repression in 2021.
“Hundreds of our brothers and sisters were tortured, many were arrested and remain in prison, others were killed, and some are still missing. Yet we refuse to give up,” Bobi Wine said.
On why he continues to risk his life and freedom, he explained:
“We face bullets, prisons, torture chambers, and even death because the alternative is giving up — and that is ten times worse.”
He described the 2026 election as a battle for justice.
“We have voted before. We have won elections before and been rigged before. This election is not a normal one. We are entering it as a protest against the injustice Ugandans have suffered for the last 40 years,” he said.
In a direct appeal to President Yoweri Museveni, Bobi Wine urged him to allow a peaceful transfer of power.
“Uganda was here before you, and it will be here long after you are gone. You don’t have to burn it down on your way out. The best guarantee for your legacy is to allow a peaceful and democratic transition. We are not vengeful people. We still believe in peace. We still believe in justice,” he said.
So far, six candidates have been nominated for the 2026 presidential race. They include incumbent President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party, Forum for Democratic Change’s Nandala Mafabi, Alliance for National Transformation’s Mugisha Muntu, and NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi.
