Bobi Wine loses a round, but he is the future of Uganda

Arthur Greene

Ugandan singer Bobi Wine has said he is “worried about my life and the life of my wife”, as he remains under house arrest after his political rival Yoweri Museveni won last week’s election.

While Wine’s key advisers have either been arrested or are in hiding, his party, The National Unity Platform, will continue to play a key role in Uganda’s politics.

Throughout the presidential campaign the former reggae singer warned his supporters that it was unlikely that the election would be either free or fair.

Museveni, who has won Uganda’s previous five elections, has rejected these claims of fraud, proclaiming “the most cheating-free election” in the country’s history.

However, videos which surfaced last week on social media appeared to show an increased military presence across the country.

Also, just ahead of voting day the government shutdown the internet, a move condemned by election monitors.

Despite this voter pressure, Museveni, 76, only received approximately 59% of the vote, a decrease from the country’s 2016 election.

On the hand, Wine’s party campaigns for basic needs like improving access to healthcare, education, clean water and justice drew the support of young people across the country.

He also campaigned heavily on the issue of coronavirus, and in March released an educational song on how to protect oneself from the virus.

While Museveni will enjoy another five years of power, many think that these years will be the twilight of his 35-year reign.

Wine’s political career, on the other hand, may just be beginning, as his influence home and abroad continues to grow.

What he says and does can inspire millions both in Uganda and across Africa where youthful political movements are taking hold.

Video source: @DJBoogiesid

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