‘They’re Going to Imprison Some of Us. And, Yes, They Will Kill Some of Us.’

Mr. Wine and his followers are facing a very difficult task. President Museveni forms a strong alliance with the armed forces, which have cruelly repressed ethnic minorities. This election is going to show how much freedom is still left in Uganda. If Mr. Wine wins, this will be a waking call not only for Uganda but also for many countries in Africa. Democrats all over the world are following this election closely.

Uganda is a military dictatorship , only those directly supported by the security services can rule , Wine , unless he compromises himself , will never have their backing - militaries will only support revolutions and mavericks if they have the delirious backing of the vast majority or the current rulers have resorted to insensible destruction either maliciously or through incompetence - Museveni is neither incompetent nor insensible and enough Ugandans support the stability and relative prosperity he has sustained that the military will not realign their support from him - in all likelihood he will remain, all things being equal, as long as Mugabe , that is , until he is decrepit

Museveni worked wonders for Uganda after the civil war but power is addictive when you see yourself as the only man with 'vision' and you are in fear of your life from the people you overcame during your rise to power. The real tragedy for both Uganda and Museveni himself is that had he kept to the constitution as it was written to allow two terms of office he could have been seen as one of the great leaders of Africa and quite possibly secretary General of the UN as well. Uganda is a wonderful place with wonderful people and they do not deserve this.

Here's wishing Mr. Wine well. By that I mean I hope he succeeds and refuses to succumb to his victory by becoming just another strongman in a country that seems to worship them.

Did the Times ask him how, were he to come to lead Uganda, he would avoid become another freedom fighter turned dictator?

Bobi Wine I hope you can lead a generation in creating democracy for Uganda. Your message of People Power is familiar here in California. We harbor the spirit of resistance (and we love dancehall), but we have the highest inequality in the USA, so we live in a constantly changing project of resisting the concentration of wealth. Perhaps our struggles are not so different. The tent camps in Oakland remind me of my time in Kampala. Know that what you are fighting against is the same enemy that we are fighting all over: the concentration of wealth, the indifference to mass poverty. What will it take to mend such inequality as Museveni has maintained? Will Kagame allow it? Will the USA allow it? Many powerful actors want Museveni to stay, but your allies may be a greater number. Uganda is not alone in this struggle. Speak to us, we are listening.

The worst consequence of Museveni’s long reign in Uganda is how thoroughly he has corrupted the country’s moral fiber. Honesty which is an indispensable component of national unity is almost none existent. Both the country’s rulers and the governed are simultaneously resentful and envious of each other. The ruling NRM party led by Museveni regards ordinary Ugandans as a mere source of taxes and prestige and regards their desire for change as ungratefulness for “liberating them.” The citizens resent being exploited by their “liberators” while secretly envious of their “privileged status.” The ruling party lives in fear of the ruled and the rules live in fear of the Museveni’s vast and oppressive security apparatus. Because he was useful to the west in confronting Al Shabab and other militant Islamic groups, Museveni’s behavior has been tolerated. Then along comes Bobi Wine who is threatening to upend Museveni’s life presidency project. While Bobi Wine is popular, it is going to take more than losing an election for Museveni to leave power. I just don’t see how this ends without another civil war or mass uprising. Museveni has never kept his word to anyone and he believes that he is always the smartest guy in the room. Until someone bloodies his nose, he will never leave power peacefully.

Mr. Wine inspires in these brutal times. May he and his countrymen persist and succeed in their fight for freedom for Uganda.

Poor Uganda, it is unable to escape the curse of the brutal African big man. Hard to believe at one point the British considered Uganda the pearl of its African Empire and neighbor Kenya a dirty backwater swamp. Naturally beautiful with great climate and wonderfully fertile soil, this former colony was once on a serious short list of possible homes for Europe's Jews after the war. Sadly a stream of violent big men supported by armed militias and coups have destroyed the country and/or stubbornly and violently held onto power. Yoweri Museveni is just the most recent version of this tragic Ugandan story. Museveni started out as Uganda's savior but power has proved too addictive and he has degenerated into the same arrogant brutal dictator Ugandans have come to know too well. Just another African country destroyed by corruption, greed and impunity.

What bravery and 'nobility', on the part of Mr. Wine. I wish him and his countrymen well!

Good luck Ugandan . Anything really just to get rid of all those so called presidents turn dictators infesting african nations . Africans still talk about how colonies destroyed the continent, but having a president like Ugandan president is worst than the colonies. Madagascar had a DJ once but the party was over once he became president . I don’t know what’s going to happen to Uganda if mr Wine wins . Good luck mr Wine!