UGANDAN opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has been cleared to run in the country’s presidential election scheduled in January, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The decision by the country’s electoral commission came a week after it had rejected his original application to be a candidate.

Mr Wine, a pop star turned politician, is now clear to once again challenge President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a record seventh term in office since first being elected in 1986.

During the last election in 2021, Mr Wine secured 35 per cent of the vote while President Museveni won with 58 per cent. It was his lowest margin of victory since taking power.

The result led to large scale protests across Uganda after Mr Wine accused the sitting president of ballot-rigging and fraud. Fifty-four people were killed by authorities during the protests.

Mr Wine was placed under house arrest by authorities in the aftermath of the protests.

Mr Wine’s National Unity Platform party now has the largest number of seats among the opposition in parliament.

President Museveni urged his supporters to once again give him their support after electoral officials announced his nomination on Tuesday.

A constitutional amendment in 2017 removed the presidential age limit of 75, allowing him to extend his rule.