You have what it takes! Babu tells Bobi as Uganda heads to polls

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has wished Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine well as Uganda heads to the polls today.

Babu expressed confidence in his ability to win the election and bring change to the country.

In a message shared on social media on Thursday, the Embakasi East MP said Bobi Wine had what it takes to lead Uganda.

“As Uganda heads to the ballot box today, I want to wish my brother Bobi Wine all the best,” Owino said.

“He has everything it takes to win this election and transform the lives of the people of Uganda,” he added.

Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician, is one of the key contenders in Uganda’s tightly contested election, which has drawn regional and international attention amid concerns over governance, human rights and democratic space in the country.

Owino’s message adds to a growing chorus of support from regional political figures backing the Ugandan opposition leader as voters cast their ballots.

Ugandans will today cast their ballots in an election widely expected to hand President Yoweri Museveni a seventh term in office.

A win for Museveni, 81, will extend his four-decade grip on power and enter a consequential term, having signalled it will be his last election. This has triggered succession politics within the ruling National Resistance Movement and the country.

Voting will commence amid a heavily militarised political environment, widespread repression of the opposition and mounting international concern over the credibility of the electoral process.

While eight candidates have expressed interest in the presidency, the only real threat to Museveni is opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform.

The other candidates on the ballot are Frank Bulira, Robert Kasibante, Joseph Mabirizi, Nandala Mafabi, Mugisha Muntu and Mubarak Munyagwa.

Uganda has been placed on high security alert ahead of the much-anticipated presidential elections scheduled for Thursday.

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) said it has rolled out comprehensive security arrangements across the country to ensure the safety of voters, election officials and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the police confirmed heightened deployment and vigilance,

Accompanying the message were several photographs showing uniformed officers conducting patrols along major highways, in urban centres and within residential areas in different parts of the country.

The images depicted both foot and vehicle patrols, signaling an increased police presence ahead of voting day.

According to the police, the enhanced security operations are aimed at preventing electoral violence, deterring criminal activity and ensuring a peaceful environment before, during and after the elections.