KAMPALA —People Power’s Bobi Wine has been named in Time’s 100 Next list.
The singer-cum politician is on the list for spending his career singing about social justice and the recent growing influence in politics.
In 2017, Bobi Wine decided to take things a step further by running for, and winning, a seat in parliament, where he represents Kyadondo East.
Now the 37-year-old singer, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has set his sights higher, announcing that he will take on President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled for the past 33 years.
Bobi Wine has accused Mr. Museveni of a combination of deft politics, questionable election practices and constitutional manipulation.
“Eighty percent of our population is under the age of 35,” Bobi Wine was quoted in the Media.
“They deserve a leader who works for the future of Uganda, not for himself.”
The Times wrote that Bobi Wine’s growing popularity amounts to peril.
He has been jailed, beaten and charged with treason—proof, he says, that the President is running scared well in advance of the 2021 election and that change is on the way.”
Time’s 100 Next list features influential people who rose through traditional power structures.
Bobi Wine has also become the first Ugandan to be feature in the Time 100 Next since inception.
Commenting on his recognition, Bobi Wine said “to say that this is extremely humbling is an understatement!”
“I am very delighted to share this recognition with 99 other highly accomplished individuals who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism, and more,” the MP who is currently in the United States said on social media.
Bobi Wine has since dedicated this recognition to the young people of Uganda, especially the ghetto youth.
“May this be a reminder and encouragement that you are not what your detractors say you are. You are what you choose to be!”
