by PETER BETT

Ugandan pop star turned politician and now the leading opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi also widely known as Bobi Wine today officially announced that he will take on head to head with President Yoweri Museveni come 2021 national elections. “On behalf of the people of Uganda I am challenging you (Museveni) to a free and fair election in 2021,” Bobi announced the news at an event in Kampala. Wine who was wearing a red t-shirt and a red beret which he calls “the symbol of resistance,”a look which has been adopted by thousands.

Wine, 36, entered parliament in 2017, and has emerged as a leading critic of Museveni, striking a chord with young Ugandans with his songs about social justice. One of Wine’s songs contains the lyrics “freedom fighters become dictators,” while others hint that Museveni has stayed in power too long. Bobi has faced repeated arrests and frustrations by security forces concerning his political campaigns and rallies. He is also facing treason charges among other 30 oppositions MPs over stoning president Museveni’s convoy during last year’s campaign rally.

“We are confident that we can put an end to the Museveni dictatorship using a vote and civilized means.”Bobi added. Earlier this year Uganda’s Supreme Court upheld a decision to remove an age cap of 75 for presidential aspirants, paving the way for Museveni to run again in 2021.