Ugandan Musician Confirms Presidency Intentions

Ugandan rapper Bobi Wine, also known as MP Robert Kyagulanyi, has confirmed his intention to run for the presidency in the next elections. His strong public profile has marked him out as a key challenger to President Museveni’s more than 30-year rule. 

Bobi Wine hit international headlines last year after he was detained by security forces following an alleged altercation between the presidential guard and opposition supporters. After his driver was found dead he was taken to a military facility and protests followed. Upon release, appearing to be in a fragile state he travelled to the US for medical treatment before returning to Uganda to continue his political work.

Speaking to German publication Deutsche Welle during a trip to Berlin this week to participate at a conference on freedom of expression Wine confirmed his intentions and explained that the reason he pursued a career in music was because he had something to say, meaning that freedom of expression is something he considers to be very important. 

On security concerns Wine is quoted as stating, “Well, I'm certainly not safe but neither is anybody, those like me who speak out and indeed the many who are silent are all unsafe, you can never change anything until you face it, you can never change anything unless you speak about it.”