Bobi Wine Campaigns Under Heavy Security Pressure

Ugandan opposition leader and presidential candidate Bobi Wine often wears a flak jacket and helmet while campaigning to protect himself from possible gunfire. However, this safety gear cannot protect him from tear gas, which is frequently used by security forces during his campaign events. Clouds of tear gas often follow him as he travels to meet supporters.

Bobi Wine is contesting the presidential election against President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Over the years, Mr. Museveni has changed the country’s laws several times to remain in office. Rules on term limits and age limits for the presidency were removed, allowing him to continue contesting elections.

Many of Mr. Museveni’s political opponents have been jailed, threatened, or pushed out of politics, and heavy security is regularly deployed at opposition rallies. Police and military personnel are often seen at Bobi Wine’s meetings, leading to clashes, arrests, and the use of force.

President Museveni is now seeking a seventh term in the elections scheduled for January 15. The tense campaign atmosphere has raised concerns about political freedom, public safety, and the fairness of the election process in Uganda.