Uganda's Election Showdown: Museveni vs. Bobi Wine

Sat Jan 10 2026 10:48:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Ugandans prepare to vote, President Museveni aims for his seventh term against rising star Bobi Wine. The election is marked by challenges and a thirst for change, especially among the youth.

With Uganda's election just days away, President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh consecutive term against his main opponent, Bobi Wine, a popular musician and politician. Voter concerns include high unemployment, poor infrastructure, and corruption. Accusations of election manipulation loom over the electoral process, emphasizing the struggle for democracy in the country.

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 capitalize 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 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 face off, with Museveni winning the 2021 poll amid allegations of rigging.

Yoweri Museveni - National Resistance Movement (NRM): Museveni's leadership has been marked by human rights abuses, but he argues he remains the country's sole guarantor of stability.

Bobi Wine - National Unity Platform (NUP): Bobi Wine, known for his pop music, symbolizes youthful challenges to the established order. His support among young urban voters is significant.