MUKONO, Uganda — Opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine conducted campaign activities in Mukono while clad in protective military gear, illustrating the volatile political climate preceding Uganda’s January 15th elections. The musician-turned-politician, legally named Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, appeared in public wearing both flak jacket and helmet as government forces maintained heavy visibility throughout the capital city of Kampala.
Despite these visible security measures, the protective equipment provides no defense against the recurrent deployment of tear gas that has characterized Wine’s campaign events. Security personnel maintain constant surveillance at opposition rallies, creating an atmosphere of tension throughout the election cycle.
Wine represents the primary electoral challenge to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is pursuing an unprecedented seventh term in office. Museveni has maintained continuous political control since 1986 through systematic constitutional modifications that have eliminated presidential term limits and age restrictions. The longstanding leader has consistently neutralized political rivals through imprisonment and marginalization tactics.
In his December 31st national address, President Museveni explicitly endorsed security forces’ use of tear gas against opposition gatherings, referring to Wine’s supporters as “criminal elements.” This rhetoric echoes the treatment Wine experienced during his initial presidential campaign in 2021, when he faced physical assault by police officers, had his clothing torn, and witnessed the imprisonment of dozens of his supporters.