In one corner is the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, a 76-year-old tyrant who has been in power for the last 35 years:
In the other is the challenger, Bobi Wine, a 38-year-old pop singer from the slums:
Why bother following the election of some African backwater? Well, Uganda is one of the world's youngest nations demographically, with over 75% of people under age 30. This is basically millenials vs boomers, the people power of the youth vs existing power structures, the possibility of a different generation with different ideas vs the same old business as usual that has kept Africa poor.
This isn't a regular campaign though, it's an exceptionally nasty one where the establishment are seeking to crush any threats. Bobi Wine has survived several assassination attempts and you wonder if he'll get to election day in one piece. Several of his staff and prominent supporters keep turning up dead also.
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Will a new generation rise to power and change the way things are done in Africa, or will the establishment keep themselves in power, growing fat on stolen public finances?
Uganda's Yoweri Museveni: How an ex-rebel has stayed in power for 35 years
The vast majority of Ugandans have only known one president - Yoweri Museveni.
www.bbc.co.uk
In the other is the challenger, Bobi Wine, a 38-year-old pop singer from the slums:
Bobi Wine: Uganda's 'ghetto president'
Uganda's Bobi Wine aims to turn his movement into an effective opposition to President Museveni.
www.bbc.co.uk
Why bother following the election of some African backwater? Well, Uganda is one of the world's youngest nations demographically, with over 75% of people under age 30. This is basically millenials vs boomers, the people power of the youth vs existing power structures, the possibility of a different generation with different ideas vs the same old business as usual that has kept Africa poor.
This isn't a regular campaign though, it's an exceptionally nasty one where the establishment are seeking to crush any threats. Bobi Wine has survived several assassination attempts and you wonder if he'll get to election day in one piece. Several of his staff and prominent supporters keep turning up dead also.
Uganda polls: ‘I’ve Survived Two Assassination Attempts’ Says Bobi Wine
Ugandan presidential candidate and musician, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine has said he survived assassination attempts in the last two weeks ahead of next month’s elections …
www.arise.tv
Ugandan activist Bobi Wine condemns killing of his supporter
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan musician and opposition leader Bobi Wine is urging police to investigate the death of one of his supporters who died from injuries sustained during torture by...
apnews.com
It'll be interesting to see what happens. Will a new generation rise to power and change the way things are done in Africa, or will the establishment keep themselves in power, growing fat on stolen public finances?