THIS IS NOT AN ELECTION: Bobi Wine's Bold Message

THIS IS NOT AN ELECTION: Bobi Wine tells CNN ” Its a war” as security forces unleash a violent crackdown on the opposition, resulting in hundreds of arrests, injured, targeted assaults. and some killed according to Uganda Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi

The countdown to the January 15, 2026, general elections has begun. Uganda’s political landscape now feels like a battlefield. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi—better known as Bobi Wine—recently spoke with CNN’s Larry Madowo. During this exclusive interview, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader gave a haunting verdict on the democratic process.

“THIS IS NOT AN ELECTION to begin with. This is war,” Wine declared. His voice reflects the fears of millions. Many supporters now chant the NUP slogan: “People Power, Our Power.” Wine argues that this is a struggle for survival, not a simple vote. He faces a regime that has held power for four decades.

General Museveni Views Uganda as his Personal Property say Bobi Wine: Opposition Crackdown

The opposition crackdown has intensified as the campaign trail heats up. Bobi Wine alleges that President Museveni now relies solely on military might. “General Museveni largely views Uganda as his personal property,” Wine told CNN. He added that the President views the citizens as “slaves.”

This sense of state ownership has led to the dismantling of opposition activities. NUP officials report that security forces have arrested over 450 supporters. Most arrests occurred since the campaign season intensified. Many detainees face vague charges like “inciting violence.” However, the NUP calls these purely political moves. They aim to break the spirit of the NUP “People Power, Our Power” movement.

This Image provides visual context for the intense environment journalists like Larry Madowo face when covering political movements and police responses in Uganda.

Bobi Wine tells CNN: This is not an election its war; supporters wave People Power NUP flags. — On the campaign trail, CNN journalist Larry Madowo was choked by tear gas as police dispersed Bobi Wine’s supporters in Uganda. (Image courtesy of CNN)

Freedom of Campaign and State Brutality in Northern Uganda

The freedom of campaign in Uganda is currently under immense pressure. The NUP convoy faces constant roadblocks, especially in Northern Uganda. CNN crews witnessed this “chilling” reality firsthand. Security forces fired tear gas directly into peaceful crowds. These groups included market traders and bystanders simply waving at the convoy.

The state violence is often targeted. A harrowing example occurred recently in Gulu. Dan Magic, Bobi Wine’s long-time producer and aide, was brutally battered. Video footage shows him bleeding profusely from head injuries. Military and police personnel assaulted him while he tried to protect his boss. These incidents of being beaten and battered are now a daily reality. They serve as a grim reminder of the “war” Bobi Wine described.

Disproportionate Force and Roadside Terror

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has condemned the state’s use of disproportionate force. This violence often turns deadly on the road. Viral videos show police and military vehicles deliberately knocking down motorcycle riders. These “Boda Bodas” often follow the Bobi Wine convoy in support.

Wine alleges these are intentional acts of state terror. He further claims that security forces have shot dead some supporters during these dispersals. The military usually blames “illegal processions” for these clashes. However, the scale of violence suggests a coordinated effort to stop the opposition.

Personal Property and the Cost of Dissent

When a leader treats a nation as personal property, power transitions become existential threats. Larry Madowo asked Wine if he could beat Museveni in a fair fight. Wine’s response was immediate. “If 2021 was a free and fair election, I would be president already,” he said.

The NUP leader views the heavy military deployment as a sign of “fear.” The regime uses the treasury and the army as private tools. This has turned a civic exercise into a military operation. Despite the rising death toll, Wine urges non-violent defiance. “Our cameras are the only shield we have left,” he told his followers. He encourages them to film and broadcast the brutality to the world.

Thank you for reading! Kindly subscribe to eKayNews.co.za for an amount of your choice. You can cancel at any time or offer a “Once off Virtue Coffee” at the website footer.

Bobi Wine and Dan Magic attacked in Gulu

This video provides on-the-ground footage of the escalating brutality in Northern Uganda, specifically showing the aftermath of the attack on Bobi Wine’s aide, Dan Magic.

Would you like me to help you draft a full social media post or an image caption using this information?

CNN Reporter Larry Madowo on Bobi Wine Campaign Trail

Over 450 NUP supporters arrested amid controversial charges

This video provides a detailed report on the mass arrests of NUP supporters and the legal challenges they face ahead of the 2026 election.

References & External Reports

CNN Exclusive: Bobi Wine Interview with Larry Madowo — The definitive interview where Bobi Wine outlines why the 2026 vote is viewed as “war” rather than a democratic election. (250 chars)
Al Jazeera News: Several Wounded as Police Clash with NUP — Documentation of the injury to Dan Magic and the shooting of protesters during campaign trails.
UN Human Rights Office: UN Warns Uganda Over Crackdown — Official report condemning the use of “drones” (unmarked vans) and safe houses for illegal detentions.
Human Rights Watch: Uganda: Stop Killings, Arrests of Opposition — A detailed account of the “disproportionate force” used against NUP supporters.
Legalbrief Africa: Bobi Wine Assaulted in Gulu — Reporting on the December 2025 escalation where Wine and his aides were hit with canes by security forces.

Most Read Articles on eKayNews

1. The Similarities Between Hector Pieterson and NUP Iconic Images This article explores the haunting visual parallels between the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the current struggle in Uganda. It analyzes how the image of a bloodied NUP supporter carried by comrades mirrors the iconic photo of Hector Pieterson, symbolizing a trans-generational African struggle against state oppression. Image: Comparison of Hector Pieterson and NUP supporter Read More

2. Uganda Airlines: Johannesburg to Entebbe Daily Flights Amidst the political turmoil, the national carrier continues to bridge the gap between South Africa and Uganda. This article details the impact of the daily direct flights on trade, the Ugandan diaspora in SA, and how the airline is navigating the complex regional politics. Image: Uganda Airlines Crane at OR Tambo Read More

3. Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani’s Historic New York Victory A profile on Zohran Mamdani, whose rise in New York City politics has inspired many in the Ugandan diaspora. This piece discusses his platform, his connection to his roots, and what his victory means for African representation in the West. Image: Zohran Mamdani celebrating with supporters Read More

THIS IS NOT AN ELECTION: Bobi Wine’s Bold Message

Subscribe to our Newsletters