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Bobi Wine challenges Yoweri Museveni in Uganda's presidential election.
Summary
Bobi Wine, a former pop star who calls himself the 'ghetto president', will face President Yoweri Museveni on 15 January; he has mobilised wide youth support and has previously been arrested on charges that were later dropped.
Content
Bobi Wine is a former pop star who moved into politics about a decade ago and will compete against President Yoweri Museveni in a presidential election on 15 January. He is 43, and Museveni is reported as 81 and has been in power for four decades. Wine grew up in the slums of Kampala and adopted the label "ghetto president" while campaigning on youth unemployment and human rights. His rise has attracted significant attention both inside Uganda and internationally.
Key facts:
- The election contest is scheduled for 15 January and pits Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu) against long‑time President Yoweri Museveni.
- Bobi Wine transitioned from music to politics about ten years ago and has strong support among many young Ugandans.
- He uses the nickname "ghetto president" and focuses on issues such as youth unemployment and human rights.
- Since entering politics he has been detained and faced criminal charges, including allegations related to illegal possession of firearms and treason; those cases were later dropped.
- His arrests drew international attention, and in 2018 musicians signed a petition calling for his release.
Summary:
The campaign has highlighted generational support for Bobi Wine and broader attention to political and social issues in Uganda. The immediate next milestone is the presidential vote on 15 January, and further developments are undetermined at this time.
