Bobi Wine Warns of Protests if Uganda Election Is Manipulated, Open to US Support

Bobi Wine says protests will follow if the election is not free and fair. Uganda heads to the polls with President Museveni expected to extend his long rule.

Uganda’s opposition figure Bobi Wine has issued a clear warning ahead of this week’s national election, saying citizens will take to the streets if the vote is rigged.

Speaking in Kampala, the former musician turned politician said the people of Uganda should be ready to act if the process is not honest.

More than 20 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots on Thursday in an election likely to keep President Yoweri Museveni in power.

Museveni, now 81, has led Uganda for nearly four decades and is widely seen as the favourite due to his firm grip on state systems and security forces.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is making his second attempt at the presidency after contesting the 2021 election.

He said that if manipulation occurs, protests will be unavoidable, adding that Ugandans should not wait for instructions from leaders before standing up.

International organisations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have raised concerns over the political environment.

They point to arrests and harassment of opposition supporters as signs of growing repression in the days leading to the vote.

Wine admitted that demonstrations could trigger harsh responses from the state, but said history shows that even tough regimes can fall through public pressure.

He stressed that supporters must remain peaceful, saying non-violence is the strongest response to force.

Uganda’s election comes at a time of rising political tension across East Africa, where young people are increasingly protesting against limited freedoms and a lack of jobs.

Similar unrest has been witnessed in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania.

When asked about possible involvement from the United States, Wine said he would welcome any help that supports democracy.

However, he was clear that Uganda should not be taken over by outsiders, saying the country’s freedom must be achieved by its own citizens.

Wine concluded by saying that while international support can help, the real responsibility lies with Ugandans themselves.

According to him, only the people can free the country, lead it, and shape its future.