The musician and the strongman leader - what you need to know about Uganda's election

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete January 9, 2026 at 03:25 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Uganda is holding general elections on Thursday, January 15th, where 21.6 million registered voters will elect a president and members of parliament. The presidential race is primarily between the incumbent Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, and pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Museveni is seeking a seventh term, while Wine is campaigning on a platform of change and reform. Campaigning has been marred by reports of disrupted opposition activities and arrests. Key concerns for voters include high youth unemployment and the economy. This is the second time Museveni and Wine have faced each other in a presidential election.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Idi Amin 40% National Resistance Movement (NRM) 50% Bobi Wine ×585% Yoweri Museveni ×590% Uganda ×395%

Keywords

uganda election 100% bobi wine 90% yoweri museveni 90% political opposition 70% political reform 60% youth unemployment 60% presidential election 50% human rights abuses 50% election rigging 40%