Kampala, Uganda - Ugandan pop star and opposition figure Bobi Wine said Monday he will challenge longtime President Yoweri Museveni in a 2021 election "on behalf of the people."
"I live every day as it comes, not being sure of the next day," Wine said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I am not blind to the fact that the regime wants me dead and wants me dead as soon as possible."As the leader of a popular movement known as "People Power," Wine has captured the imagination of many who want to see the exit of Museveni, a U.S. ally on regional security who has held power since 1986 and looks set to seek a sixth term.
"Power has been taken away from the people by those that wield guns, and that's what we want to put an end to through the vote," he said. Yet the singer's candidacy comes with multiple challenges, including limited opportunities to hold rallies or stage concerts. Police violently foiled his recent attempts to hold public events, firing bullets and tear gas. Authorities insist such action is necessary in order to protect public order.
As the bill was being debated, security personnel during one chaotic session entered the parliamentary chamber and roughed up opposition lawmakers, including Wine, who had been trying to delay a procedural vote.