The electoral commission announced January 14 in polls that will pit Yoweri Museveni against 10 rivalsKampala — Ugandans will vote on January 14 in a presidential election that pits long-ruling incumbent Yoweri Museveni against 10 rivals, including a pop-star who is emerging as the strongest challenger.
Bobi Wine and Wife Barbie during nomination, COURTESY (FACEBOOK)
The electoral commission announced the election date in a statement issued late on Wednesday. Polling to elect lawmakers to parliament will be conducted at the same time.
In power since 1986, the 76-year-old Museveni is often referred to as Jajja, meaning “Grandfather”. The biggest threat to Africa’s third longest-ruling president keeping his authoritarian grip on the East African nation is expected to come from pop-star Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known by his music moniker Bobi Wine.
Mr Bobi Wine (38) has accused the government of using security forces to spoil his campaign, by breaking up rallies and beating and detaining supporters.
Moments after Wine’s nomination on Tuesday, police and military personnel broke the windows of his vehicle to forcibly remove him and take him home in a police van, to prevent the opposition candidate from moving with his supporters.
Security personnel then used teargas and live rounds to disperse supporters outside Bobi Wine’s residence, injuring at least 15 people while dozens were detained.
Wine was released later on Tuesday.
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