Election Date and Candidates Set for Jan. 15 Vote Uganda will hold its presidential election on Jan. 15, 2026, with incumbent Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term after constitutional amendments removed term‑ and age‑limits [1]. Museveni, in power since 1986, frames his main challenger, musician‑turned‑politician Bobi Wine, as part of a “criminal opposition” [1]. The election follows a year‑end address in which Museveni explicitly endorsed the use of tear gas to disperse opposition crowds [1].

Bobi Wine Adopts Military‑Style Protective Gear On a campaign stop in Mukono, Wine appeared in a flak jacket and helmet, a visual meant to signal the heightened threat environment [1]. Photojournalist Hajarah Nalwadda captured the image, noting that the gear offers no protection against tear‑gas attacks that frequently follow Wine’s rallies [1]. The protective outfit underscores the candidate’s anticipation of confrontations with security forces [1].

Security Forces Deploy Tear Gas and Heavy Presence Security personnel have filled Kampala’s streets, maintaining a constant presence at political events [1]. Museveni’s rhetoric labels opposition supporters as “criminal,” reinforcing the government’s readiness to employ tear gas as crowd control [1]. This approach reflects a broader strategy to suppress dissent during the critical pre‑election period [1].

Historical Repression Shapes Current Campaign Atmosphere Wine’s 2021 campaign was marked by police rough‑handling, torn clothing, and the jailing of dozens of supporters, establishing a pattern of intimidation [1]. Those past incidents inform the current climate, where both candidates and supporters anticipate similar security pressures [1]. The legacy of repression contributes to the election’s volatile and highly securitized environment [1].