Security forces in Uganda have in recent weeks dealt a heavy hand to supporters of one of the country’s leading presidential election candidates. But as #UgandaIsBleeding continues to appear on social media, leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine has pledged to stay in the race to succeed incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

Wine, a musician and politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, announced the resumption of his campaign under the National Unity Platform just hours after he suspended it on December 2. A day earlier, members of his campaign team were injured, some critically, in clashes between security forces and Wine’s supporters in the district of Kayunga.

Museveni, who chairs the ruling National Resistance Movement, says his opponents have sought support from "anti-Ugandan elements", while criticising them for allegedly holding events that break protocols aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus. But human rights groups say the health rules are being weaponised to chill dissent.

Meanwhile, Ugandans are facing everyday challenges. The country’s economy has been hit hard by COVID-19, with remittances down, exports on the slide, and direct investment to Uganda hampered by the pandemic. And young people face an uncertain future with few job opportunities.

In this episode of The Stream, we’ll look at what lies ahead for Ugandans as election day nears.

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