Since the presidential campaigns began 40 days ago, candidates have been traversing the country, seeking support from Ugandans to entrust them with leadership come 2026. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, but the stiffest competition is between Ragga Star Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, who recently began his Presidential Campaign in West Nile, and Uganda’s long-time military ruler, Yoweri Museveni Ssekadde. The rest are largely considered by the public as mere placeholders.
After 40 years in power, Museveni has little to show in terms of tangible achievements. Instead, he presides over a struggling economy and faces increasing resistance from young people, who make up 70% of Uganda’s population. Despite Uganda’s large and energetic labour force critical for national economic growth, the country is ranked very low by the World Bank in terms of development. The youth feel that their future cannot be entrusted to an aging dictator whose leadership they believe has no vision for Uganda but is instead driving it into decline. Many now view the youthful Kyagulanyi as the best alternative for the country. It’s no surprise that Kyagulanyi begins his Presidential Campaign in West Nile to connect with the youth there.
Until today, Kyagulanyi had not set foot in the West Nile region since the campaigns began. He launched his West Nile campaign in Pakwach and Madi-Okollo, where he was received by multitudes of jubilant supporters. Kyagulanyi begins Presidential Campaign in West Nile with high hopes and great enthusiasm from the region’s people.
In a scene that felt like history in the making, West Nile erupted with excitement as Bobi Wine returned to the campaign trail. Hours before his arrival, streets were already overflowing people poured in from every direction, climbed rooftops, filled shopfronts, and cheered with an energy that shook the atmosphere. By the time his convoy rolled through, the mood had turned electric.
When Bobi Wine finally took the stage, the crowd roared as one. He delivered his message with passion, calling for a united Uganda after years of political division. Every word ignited the audience, whose chants echoed far beyond the venue. Observers noted the sheer magnitude of the turnout, describing it as one of the most energetic political events the region has seen in years. To many, it felt less like a rally and more like a national moment a vivid snapshot of the tension, hope, and shifting political energy shaping Uganda ahead of 2026. Indeed, Kyagulanyi begins Presidential Campaign in West Nile with a message of hope and change.
Kyagulanyi was welcomed by his Deputy President in charge of Northern Uganda, former Judge Hon. Lina Zedriga Waru, who received him at Karuma Bridge. His message remained consistent with what he has delivered across the country urging Ugandans to unite because the problems created by Museveni have affected everyone regardless of region.
He promised to resurrect the defunct Uganda Railway, which collapsed during Museveni’s 40-year rule, and to end the military deployment on the lake. Communities in Pakwach heavily depend on fishing, but Museveni’s forces pushed them away from the lake, crippling their economic well-being. Kyagulanyi vowed to solve Uganda’s problems: “I will empower you economically by rebuilding and restoring the Uganda Railway. This railway once transported your produce to markets with ease, and I will extend it to all regions of Uganda to facilitate trade.”
Kyagulanyi will continue his campaign in Zombo and Nebbi tomorrow and is expected to spend the entire week in the West Nile region of Northern Uganda. His strong start as Kyagulanyi begins Presidential Campaign in West Nile demonstrates his commitment to regional engagement.
