Despite the obstacles to his success, Bobi Wine continues to fight for change in Uganda.
Bobi Wine is somewhat of a legend in Uganda.
Primarily known as a reggae artist, his lyrics are permeated by narratives of social change that focus on the high levels of suffering prevalent in Uganda.
Much of the population is able to identify with the inequality and deprivation that Wine brings to life in his music, which has propelled him to the fame he knows today.
It is Bobi’s musical career that eventually drove him into politics. Wine ran as a member of Parliament in his area and succeeded in 2018. Since then, he has become a central figure in the opposition movement to the current government.
The role he now holds has become more of a curse than a blessing, though. The current ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, has been in power for 35 years under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni.
The length of this rule has allowed for a destruction of the political and democratic foundations of Uganda. Originally a revolutionary, Museveni has dismantled the free press and shown disdain for the principles of the rule of law and of human rights.
How then, does an opposing politician get their voice out? Bobi Wine is fortunate to have already been a public figure. His appeal isn’t limited to his fame – he is young and has proven his undying commitment to grassroots change.
This motivation has inspired a great many young Ugandans to rally their support around Wine. Not only are they showing up for rallies and elections, but they are also running for local councils and even Parliament.
Affiliations with Wine come with harsh consequences. In the past year, hundreds of Wine’s supporters have been arbitrarily detained or even abducted from their homes. These have been undertaken by the Ugandan military and information has been withheld from families as well as from other Ugandan authorities.
Bobi Wine has not been exempt from similar treatment, far from it. Since his overt political involvement in 2018, he has been continuously detained, beaten and was even shot at on the campaign trail.
What Bobi Wine does show, however, is a real dedication to his cause.
Despite all of the obstacles that he faces, in terms of the physical harm he has felt and the political impediments to his success, he has not given up. After every arrest, every incident, he returns to the streets to continue contesting Museveni’s power.
The amount of support he has garnered, and his appreciation for the rule of law, democratic principles and social justice, gives hope that Ugandans will soon see a government that reflects the change they want to see.
This article was originally written by Julie Luebken, a student at the University of Cambridge interested in digital politics, climate justice, and international relations. View her LinkedIn.
I’m a contributing writer here at Thred. My bio and contact information can be found at the bottom of each article. If you would like to become a remote writer for Thred, please email us at [email protected] or click here to see more information on the Change Maker Network.
Strikes from Russia early this year resulted in a breach in the Chernobyl’s radioactive containment unit. Now exposed, the IAEA is putting in a rush on repairs to prevent a new radioactive fallout.
39 years ago, a disaster occurred that would for the years to come be known as one of the world’s biggest nuclear accidents.
In late April of 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in what was...
Your humble bowl of cornflakes might carry more risk than you know.
We can all admit cereal isn’t the healthiest breakfast option – but it’s convenient and relatively inoffensive. Most simple options like cornflakes and shredded wheat provide a source of fortified carbohydrates and natural occurring nutrients. And if you avoid the super surgery brands like Krave and Coco Pops you’re starting the day with a convenient, decent meal. At least, that’s...
Madagascar's lemurs have little time left. The animals are facing a new danger from the urban elite of the country who are paying handsomely for their meat. How is this impacting biodiversity and ecosystems in the region and beyond?
A new study published in the Conservation Letters says that wealthy urban residents of Madagascar are eating the flesh of one of the world's most endangered primates.
Eating lemurs has gained...
A new report reveals millions of mums and children face quietly pervasive economic coercion – with family budgets being used as tools for domestic abuse.
Abuse isn’t always obvious – least not when it takes place in the domestic sphere. But new figures from the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) show that financial coercion is quietly affecting a staggering number of women and children. It’s a form of violence that remains underreported...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 comments
