‘People want change’: Ugandan diaspora speaks out ahead of presidential election

Ugandans go to the polls on Thursday and after having the same ruler for 35 years many are desperate for a new kind of politics, reports Rory Sullivan

Posters show Bobi Wine (L) and incumbent president Yoweri Museveni (R) ahead of Uganda’s national election on 14 January, 2021. (AFP via Getty Images)

Yoweri Museveni has held sway over Uganda since January 1986, when Bobi Wine, his main opponent in Thursday’s presidential election, was just 3 years-old.

The contest between the two is certainly as uneven as their age difference is wide. Mr Museveni, who seeks a sixth term in office, controls all the levers of power, meaning musician-turned-politician Mr Wine and his supporters have been subjected to intimidation, violence and arbitrary arrest in the run-up to the vote.

The starkest example of the state’s action against the opposition came during pro-Wine protests held between 18 and 20 November. Over these three days, more than 50 people were killed by the country’s security forces, according to the UN.