Millions of Ugandans are set to vote on Thursday in a closely watched presidential election pitting long-serving President Yoweri Museveni against opposition leader and former pop star Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Museveni, 81, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking a seventh consecutive term, campaigning on a promise of stability and economic progress, while Wine, 44, is running on a platform of political reform, anti-corruption and job creation, appealing strongly to young voters disillusioned with decades of authoritarian rule. “It is important for us to challenge the authoritarian leader – again and again – until we eventually get our freedom,” Wine told CNN, alleging systematic repression of his supporters.
The vote comes amid concerns over fairness and potential violence, following reports of internet blackouts, restrictions on live broadcasts and security force crackdowns on opposition rallies. Wine has described the election as a “war,” citing the arrest and intimidation of his supporters, while Museveni has defended security actions and urged police to use tear gas instead of live ammunition against what he termed “the criminal opposition.” Analysts say corruption, unemployment and youth disenchantment are key issues shaping voter choices, though many observers predict Museveni is likely to be declared the winner, with Yusuf Serunkuma noting that “the government has put in place measures to make sure that the incumbent is declared winner.”