Uganda Today: Robert Kyagulanyi Declares Intention to Contest in 2026 Presidential Race
Kyagulanyi’s Protest Candidature Symbolizes Continued Fight for Justice, Freedom, and Human Dignity
KAMPALA – Thursday, June 26, 2025 — In a significant political development, National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has formally declared his intention to contest for Uganda’s presidency in the forthcoming 2026 general elections. The declaration was made on wednesday June 25, 2025 at the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala.
Moving ahead of his rival Incumbent Yoweri Museveni, Kyagulanyi submitted his Expression of Interest (EOI) to the party’s leadership in what he described as a solemn yet resolute moment in his continued pursuit of change and justice in Uganda.
“This afternoon at the National Unity Platform Headquarters, I was very humbled to formally submit my Expression of Interest in running for President of Uganda in the upcoming #ProtestVote2026,” he stated.
Family by His Side
He was accompanied by his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, and their son, Shadrack Mbogo, in a symbolic gesture that underscored the centrality of family, unity, and generational responsibility in his political journey.
The moment was further intensified by the presence of family members of individuals who have either been detained or forcibly disappeared—many of whom are linked to the political activism surrounding the People Power movement.
“In a special way, some family members of our detained or disappeared comrades also offered to come with me, to assert the fact that our mission is not yet complete,” Kyagulanyi emphasized.
Stories of Desperation and Hope
Kyagulanyi highlighted the deep emotional and political symbolism in the presence of four women who have borne the brunt of Uganda’s political repression.
The first was Aisha Kabanda, mother to Yasin Ssekitoleko, also known as Machete, who has spent over four years in detention without trial. Despite a bail application being heard, the presiding judge has three times claimed the ruling is not ready. Machete remains incarcerated alongside eight other supporters who declined to plead guilty to politically-motivated charges.
The second was Nantumbwe Jane, mother of Kyagulanyi’s principal bodyguard and close friend Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe. Eddie was abducted by security operatives, allegedly under the command of Museveni’s son, and subjected to severe torture. Despite a court order for his transfer to a proper medical facility, Eddie remains detained at Masaka Prison, and his bail application remains pending.
The third was Sarah Ddamulira, wife to John Ddamulira, a People Power supporter abducted in 2020 from Kisekka Market where he worked. According to family testimony, he was taken along with his son, who later recounted hearing his father scream in pain as he was tortured in the next room. His whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
The fourth was Nabukeera Monica, wife to Johnbosco Kibalama, who was abducted on June 3, 2019, after receiving several threats warning him to cease his public support for the People Power movement. Since then, all efforts to trace him have been unsuccessful.
“These are just a few of the thousands of victims of the Museveni regime of blood,” Kyagulanyi said. “Seeing them join me today, I felt the heavy weight that we must collectively carry to bring redemption to our nation.”
A Candidature of Protest
Describing his 2026 presidential bid as a “#ProtestVote,” Kyagulanyi framed the campaign not simply as a political contest but as a moral crusade against injustice, impunity, and long-standing authoritarian rule.
This marks Kyagulanyi’s second formal bid for the presidency after his contentious 2021 race against President Yoweri Museveni, which was marred by widespread allegations of electoral fraud and state brutality.
A Prayer for Victory
Closing his remarks, Kyagulanyi acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead and called on Ugandans across the country to rally behind the cause.
“We shall be counting on the support of the millions of Ugandans, as well as the infinite mercies of the Almighty to guide us all through towards victory,” he concluded.
Despite the pain and suffering endured by many, Kyagulanyi expressed hope inspired by the courage of the affected families who continue to stand firm in their call for change.
“It brings great hope to see that despite what these women have gone through, they’re still cheering us and encouraging us to complete the mission for which their loved ones are suffering. WE SHALL OVERCOME!”
#PeoplePowerOurPower #FreeUganda
*For continued updates on Uganda’s 2026 elections and political developments, stay tuned to www.ugandatoday.co.ug.
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