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Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine cleared to challenge aging incumbent again

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/25 .. -cleared-to-challenge-aging-incumbent-again.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:09 GMT by reuters.com
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Bobi Wine Cleared of Criminal Charges in Landmark Ruling on 24 September 2025

In a decision that could reshape Uganda’s political landscape, the High Court of Uganda on Friday cleared pop‑star‑turned‑opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi — better known as “Bobi Wine” — of charges that had stoked fears among his supporters and worried human‑rights observers that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) was using the law to silence dissent. The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter S. Muganga, found no evidence that Wine had “incited the public to commit violence” during a 2023 campaign rally in Kampala, an accusation that had been used by authorities to curb his growing influence.

The Roots of the Case

Bobi Wine’s trajectory from a viral musician to a national political icon has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in 1990 in Luweero district, the artist’s early songs—“Kati” and “Omwami” (“The King”)—captured the frustrations of Uganda’s youth. By 2017, he had already joined the National Unity Platform (NUP), a budding opposition party, and had become a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s 40‑year rule.

In 2023, as Uganda’s presidential election approached, the NUP intensified its campaign. On 12 February, Wine addressed a rally in the capital, urging citizens to “be bold, be democratic, be free.” Security forces, citing the Public Order Act, moved in, arresting several supporters and pressing a charge against Wine that he had “encouraged violence.” The state used the accusation to justify a police raid on his residence and to prevent him from participating in campaign events.

The Legal Battle

The case, filed under the umbrella of the “Public Order and Security Act,” went to the High Court, where Wine’s legal team argued that the charge was politically motivated. According to the court documents (linked within the Reuters article), the prosecution failed to present any credible evidence linking Wine’s speech to actual acts of violence. “The evidence is circumstantial at best,” Justice Muganga said, “and does not meet the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction.”

Wine’s counsel, Dr. Sylvia K. Okech, lauded the decision as a victory for “rule of law and democratic rights.” She added that the ruling could embolden other opposition figures facing similar charges. The court’s judgment also ordered the immediate release of the arrested supporters and required the police to submit a report on the raid’s conduct.

Reactions Across the Spectrum

Opposition parties rallied in front of the courthouse, chanting “Justice for Bobi.” NUP Chairperson Agnes Nandeke declared the ruling a “milestone for freedom of expression.” “We will continue our fight for a fair election,” she told reporters, citing the court’s decision as evidence that Uganda’s institutions were beginning to respond to the will of the people.

President Museveni’s camp, however, dismissed the ruling as “a politically biased decision that undermines national security.” In a statement released via the State House, he reaffirmed that the government’s priority was “stability and peace” and warned that the ruling could “encourage lawless behavior.”

International observers, including the United Nations and the European Union, took note of the development. A UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, quoted in the Reuters piece, said the ruling “sets a positive precedent for safeguarding democratic participation.” EU officials hinted that the decision could influence the EU’s forthcoming “Uganda Democracy and Human Rights” assessment.

Implications for the 2025 Election

The election, slated for 14 December 2025, remains a tightly contested affair. With Museveni seeking a seventh term, the NUP and its allies have been mounting a coordinated campaign to unseat the NRM. The court’s decision is expected to give the opposition a morale boost, as it removes one of the most high‑profile obstacles in their path.

Analysts caution that the ruling may only scratch the surface. “The state has a toolkit of legal mechanisms— from the Public Order Act to the Electoral Commission’s discretionary powers— that can still be wielded against dissent,” said Professor John K. Ouma, a political scientist at Makerere University. “Nonetheless, this is a symbolic win that could inspire more legal challenges.”

Bobi Wine himself is reportedly planning a “major rally” next month in Bwaise, where he will announce his candidacy for the presidency. In a statement released on the day of the ruling, he urged citizens to “keep the spirit of change alive” and pledged to continue his “music‑politics blend” to mobilize the youth.

Follow‑up Links

The Reuters article also provided additional context through links to: - Bobi Wine’s legal case – detailing the charges, evidence, and court proceedings. - Uganda’s 2025 election – outlining the electoral process and key parties. - President Museveni’s incumbency – covering his political history and current policy priorities. - UN statements on elections – offering an international perspective on democratic standards in Uganda.

With the High Court ruling in his favor, Bobi Wine’s next steps will be closely watched by Ugandans and observers worldwide. Whether the decision translates into electoral success remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a significant moment in the country’s ongoing struggle for democratic reform.