Ugandan opposition leader and singer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has announced his plans to run for president for the second time.
In an interview with Reuters, Wine expressed his determination to challenge long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, 80, who is expected to seek re-election.
Wine, 43, came second in the 2021 election but rejected the outcome, citing allegations of ballot stuffing, falsification of results, beatings, and intimidation by soldiers.
Wine also criticized Western governments for not speaking out strongly enough against human rights violations in Uganda, including abductions, illegal detention, and torture of his supporters and officials. “Some leaders in the West are complicit in our suffering,” he said, adding that they prioritize business deals over human rights.
Wine’s priorities, if elected, would include restoring political and civil rights and cracking down on corruption.
The announcement comes amid concerns over the treatment of Wine’s personal bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe, who was allegedly tortured while in captivity.
Uganda’s justice minister confirmed that Mutwe appeared to have been tortured, while Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the military, claimed he had kept Mutwe in his basement and used him as a punching bag. Mutwe was later charged with robbery and remanded.
