Bobi Wine reveals pledges as 2026 presidential campaign season kicks off

___________________

2026 General Election National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has strongly defended his supporters.

Speaking at a rally held at Kala Playground in Nateete shortly after his official nomination on Wednesday, Kyagulanyi dismissed allegations that Opposition activists are lawbreakers. Instead, he accused some elements within the Government of deliberately framing his supporters to discredit the NUP movement.

“They are using the criminal tag to frame us,” he said. “But we will not relent in fighting for justice.”

Kyagulanyi, who rose to prominence as a musician before entering politics, said the 2026 elections should be about national transformation—not just political rivalry.

“Even if you don’t want to vote for Kyagulanyi, please vote for ideas that will help build Uganda,” he told the crowd. “Vote for Uganda—not individuals—and I will be proud of you.”

He urged Ugandans, especially the youth, to stay resolute in their push for change.

“Fight for freedom,” he said, drawing cheers from his supporters.

Campaign pledges

Kyagulanyi pledged to run a peaceful campaign focused on justice, economic opportunity and safeguarding public resources.

 “If elected, I will protect Uganda’s mineral wealth and stop land grabbing,” he said.

“Uganda is a rich country with hardworking and creative people. Just the gold we discovered could turn this country into the Dubai of Africa. Our problem is not a lack of resources.”

He committed to restoring the legitimacy of peaceful political transitions, noting that Uganda’s electoral history has too often been marked by violence and repression.

“Since 1972, political contests in Uganda have caused untold suffering and death. We can change this. We can build a Uganda where political transitions are peaceful,” he said.

The event was attended by top NUP officials, including party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, and Kyagulanyi’s wife, Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi (Barbie).

Making a statement

Ssenyonyi lauded supporters for their resilience amid heavy rainfall and a strong security presence.

“Thank you for making this a statement and showing the world that we are still a force to reckon with,” he said. “You have the power to change this country through the ballot.”

"We must not give up,” he said. “If you want a Uganda that works for everyone, vote for Kyagulanyi.”

Barbie Kyagulanyi paid tribute to the people of Kyadondo in Wakiso district, where her husband’s political journey began and said he represents a chance for Uganda’s voiceless to be heard.

Despite tensions earlier in the day and a heavy Police presence, the rally proceeded peacefully. Police did not interrupt Kyagulanyi’s address, though minor skirmishes had been reported during the run-up.

Second presidential bid

On Wednesday, Kyagulanyi submitted his nomination papers at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Kampala, officially launching his second presidential bid to challenge President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.

“This is a defining moment for Uganda,” he said. “We are not just running for office—we are standing up for our future.”

Kyagulanyi’s first presidential run in 2021 saw him secure 35% of the vote against Museveni’s 58.38%.

Kyagulanyi’s nomination followed those of Joseph Male, Robert Kaisbante, Nathan Nandala, Mugisha Muntu and President Museveni, who was nominated by Electoral Commission on Tuesday.