“Protect And Defend Your Vote!” – Bobi Wine Tells Ugandans
Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has urged Ugandans to turn out in large numbers for Thursday’s presidential election.
In a message posted on social media, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) urged residents to actively participate in the polls and protect the electoral process.
Wine, who has substantial support among young people, emphasized the need for civic participation during what he regarded as a difficult period for the country.
“Vote. Protect. Defend,” he wrote on X. He asked citizens not only vote, but also to be alert in ensuring a free and fair election process.
Vote. Protect. Defend. #FreeUgandaNow pic.twitter.com/DejIFazIcb
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) January 14, 2026
Uganda’s presidential election is set for January 15, 2026, with multiple candidates vying for the country’s highest post.
The survey is expected to be widely followed both locally and globally, given the increased political competitiveness and requests for openness.
Wine is largely seen as the primary challenger to the long-standing establishment, and he has constantly used social media channels to rally supporters and engage directly with voters.
The Electoral Commission has assured Ugandans that it is prepared to hold genuine elections, while security agencies have urged calm before, during, and after the voting process.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, is running for a seventh term as the flagbearer of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Other candidates include James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC); Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera from the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT); Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP); Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP); Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party) and Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP).
All eight have been officially cleared to contest the election.
On Tuesday, Wine condemned the government’s decision to impose a “temporary” nationwide internet shutdown ahead of the country’s general elections.
He warned that the move undermines democracy and threatens citizens’ freedoms at a critical moment.
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The shutdown, ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), took effect on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6 pm and will remain in force until further notice—just one day before Ugandans head to the polls on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
“The criminal regime has announced an internet shutdown throughout Uganda, beginning 6 pm today, ahead of the election on Thursday,” Wine said on X. He added defiantly, “Uganda will be free.”
All those in Uganda, who are able to bypass the criminal regime's internet blockade – big up yourselves! Pass around the message. Let everyone know how to do it. They cut off the internet in order to hide rigging and atrocities. Record everything and share with the world.…
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) January 14, 2026
The internet shutdown directive comes shortly after statements by Wine in which he warned of possible protests should the elections be perceived as unfair.
“If General Museveni rigs the election, we shall call for protests,” Wine told AFP from his home in Kampala, adding, “We’ve told the people not to wait for our instruction.”
“Protect And Defend Your Vote!” – Bobi Wine Tells Ugandans
