Bobi Wine to be nominated for presidency today
Opposition leader and musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine second bid is expected to attract even more attention, especially from Uganda's youth, who make up the majority of the population.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) president, earlier left his Magere home in company of his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, to their party headquarters in Kampala ahead of his nomination for the presidential seat by the Electoral Commission later in the afternoon today. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)
By John Masaba
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - Ugandan Opposition leader and musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, is set to be officially nominated today, September 24, 2025, for the 2026 presidential election.
The development is a pivotal moment in what is shaping up to be one of the country’s most closely watched political contests.
Bobi Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform (NUP), is expected to appear before the Electoral Commission (EC) in Wakiso district to submit his nomination papers, formally declaring his intention to challenge incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) president, earlier left his Magere home in company of his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, to their party headquarters in Kampala ahead of his nomination for the presidential seat by the Electoral Commission later in the afternoon today. (All Photos by Simon Peter Tumwine)
The nomination comes amid a heavy security presence across major suburbs of Kampala and intense anticipation from both supporters and critics.
Bobi Wine first challenged President Museveni in the 2021 general election, garnering 35% of the vote against Museveni’s 58.38%, according to the official results.
Security forces have deployed along major roads leading to EC offices in Lweza, Kajjansi and at the nomination venue, with Police warning against unlawful gatherings.
A yet-to-be-identified man gifted National Unity Platform (NUP) party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, with a cock prior to his nomination by the Electoral Commission later in the afternoon today.
Despite the tight restrictions, many supporters are expected to line the streets in solidarity with the opposition leader.
His official nomination will mark the start of a three-month campaign period ahead of Uganda’s general elections scheduled for February 2026.
Bobi Wine’s nomination follows that of Joseph Male, Robert Kaisbante and President Museveni, who was nominated on Tuesday as the NRM national chairperson and presidential flag-bearer during a closed ceremony at the party’s electoral commission offices in Nakasero.
National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters gear up for their party president nomination, slated this afternoon by the Electoral Commission.
Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term, launched his campaign under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
He was accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, and senior members of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
“I want to thank the NRM members for entrusting me and electing me as the NRM flag bearer for the period 2026–2031,” Museveni said after receiving his nomination.
The President reflected on Uganda’s development journey since he took power nearly four decades ago, urging the media to showcase the transformation through satellite images comparing Uganda in 1986 to the present day.
“I am glad the Electoral Commission selected this site [Lubowa]. I challenge the NRM media team to get a satellite picture of 1986 and compare it with today,” he said.