Kigali, Rwanda – As Uganda approaches polling day, the political atmosphere has grown increasingly tense, marked by heightened mobilization and renewed calls for unity within the opposition.
In a rare symbolic gesture, veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye has thrown his support behind National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, despite being detained at Luzira Prison since November 2024.
With only 2 days left before the 2026 general election, presidential candidates are making their final appeals to voters across the country.
For Bobi Wine, who is seeking to unseat President Yoweri Museveni after a closely fought contest in 2021, Besigye’s backing carries significant political weight.
A four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of Museveni’s rule, Besigye remains an influential voice within Uganda’s opposition, even while in custody.
Besigye’s support was expressed through a financial contribution sent to assist Bobi Wine’s final campaign efforts. The funds were delivered by Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, during a gathering at the family’s home in Kasangati.
The meeting brought together opposition leaders, members of the People’s Front for Freedom, families of political prisoners, and religious leaders for prayers and solidarity ahead of the vote.
Addressing the gathering, Byanyima said her husband had no source of income while incarcerated but had reached out to friends to raise the contribution.
She explained that Besigye asked her to pass on the funds as a message of encouragement and goodwill to Bobi Wine, expressing his hope for success at the polls.
Byanyima also thanked those present for standing with families affected by political detention, which she described as an ongoing reality in the country.
Religious leaders, including Rev Father Kabogoza and Rev Bob Musamali, led prayers for peace, justice, and resilience, offering comfort to families of detained activists.
The event, participants said, reflected both the personal cost of political dissent and the determination of opposition supporters as election day draws near.
Receiving the contribution, Bobi Wine expressed appreciation and emphasized the need for unity among opposition forces.
He warned that divisions only strengthen President Museveni’s grip on power, stressing that a united front gives the opposition the moral authority to demand change and accountability.
In a later social media message, Bobi Wine described the day as deeply meaningful, thanking Winnie Byanyima for hosting the gathering and saluting Besigye for his generosity and message of hope.
With eight candidates in the race, the contest has increasingly narrowed into a two-man battle between Museveni and Bobi Wine.
