Kyadondo East MP and singer Kyagulanyi Sentamu (also known as Bobi Wine) has embarked on a consultative tour of stakeholders as he plans to launch his presidential bid. Kyagulanyi has so far met former FDC president Mugisha Muntu and East Africa Legislative Assembly Member Fred Mukasa-Mbidde.
Since he stood for parliament Bobi Wine has attracted attention as a possible presidential candidate in 2021.
His brother Mr.Nyanzi who belongs to the Democratic Party has recently said that it is now clear that Bobi Wine will stand for president. He revealed that their focus was to get organized for the huge task ahead.
“There is no doubt that my brother will stand for president. You know that he is popular nationally. We cannot lose this opportunity of participating in causing change in the country,” Nyanzi said.
Bobi Wine however has subscribes to no political party, which can affect his chances.
Presidential candidates tend to rely on a national structure of members, branches and institutions to mount their campaign. Bobi Wine stood as independent in the last parliamentary race in Kyadondo.
Another issue Bobi Wine should be concerned about is that the elections for MP and president fall on the same day. If he fails in his shot at the presidency, he will certainly lose out for parliament. His consultations are bound to make him more certain of whether to stand for either position.
What are Bobi Wine’s Chances for the presidency?
Bobi Wine enjoys a following among the youth who see him as a celebrity who sings about the issues affecting the ordinary person. The challenge with this group is getting them to register to vote. Bobi Wine also has to get them to come out on polling day to vote. If he manages to do this, he could pull an upset for whoever is standing against him.
If Bobi Wine stands, he is likely to stand against former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye who shows sign of interest in standing again in 2021. This could split the opposition vote unless one backs the other.
The Kyadondo MP also faces a deeply entrenched President Yoweri Museveni, who does not only have the state resources at his disposal but has an extensive grassroots network through the NRM party structures and the government representatives at local government. So far there are indications that Museveni will stand if the constitution is amended to remove the age-limit of 75 for presidential candidates.
