Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. Picture: REUTERS/ABUBAKER LUBOWAUgandan popstar-turned-politician Bobi Wine is banking on technology and a high voter turnout to help him unseat one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
The electoral commission threw a potential spanner in the works last week when it announced restrictions on the use of phones and cameras at polling stations — though it remains unclear whether pictures may be taken of the tally sheets. Wine said the unprecedented curbs are unlawful, a position echoed by the nation’s biggest opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change.
Wine, who has pledged to uphold the rule of law and tackle corruption if elected, has relied extensively on digital technology to get his message across to the electorate and bypass the state-controlled media. He sees the political landscape being fundamentally altered if the nation’s tech-savvy youth turn out in large numbers to vote. More than 80% of Uganda’s 44-million people are under the age of 40, and almost half have internet access.
Despite mounting calls for the 76-year-old Museveni to be replaced by a younger leader, Zaynab Mohamed, an analyst at NKC African Economics expects him to retain power. The president’s edge stems from the considerable control he wields over the state, and from opposition supporters having been suppressed and intimidated, Mohamed said.Wine started wearing a bullet-proof vest after his car was shot at and an explosive device was detonated near him while on the campaign trail.
Museveni has won five consecutive elections over the past 25 years, and rejected prior opposition allegations of rigging. The UN and Amnesty International are among several organisations that have voiced concern about the integrity of the upcoming vote.
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