Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has wished victory for Ugandan opposition leader  Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP) as Uganda heads to the elections today (January 15, 2025).

Babu expressed confidence in Bobi Wine’s ability to win the presidential election and bring change to the country.

In a statement shared on social media, the Embakasi East MP said Bobi Wine had what it takes to become president of Uganda.

“As Uganda heads to the ballot box today, I want to wish my brother Bobi Wine all the best,” Owino said.

“He has everything it takes to win this election and transform the lives of the people of Uganda,” he added.

Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician, is one of the key contenders in Uganda’s tightly contested election, which has drawn regional and international attention.

The elections are taking place amid concerns over governance, human rights violations and abuse of democratic space in the country.

Owino’s message adds to a growing chorus of support from regional political figures backing the Ugandan opposition leader as voters cast their vote.

Meanwhile, today’s election is widely expected to hand President Yoweri Museveni a seventh term in office.

A win for Museveni, 81, will extend his four-decade grip on power, having signalled it will be his last election. 

Voting will commence amid a heavily militarised political environment, widespread repression of the opposition and mounting international concern over the credibility of the electoral process.

While eight candidates have expressed interest in the presidency, the only real threat to Museveni is Bobi Wine.