“Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit”, says the Lord God. (Zechariah 4:6). Please join with me to pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on Uganda this week.

If it weren’t for corruption and violent oppression by Museveni’s government and security forces, then it seems highly probable that, given free and fair elections, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) would win the Presidential election and his NUP party would gain a majority of seats in Uganda’s next Parliament on Thursday 15th January 2026.

Uganda has been ruled by Museveni and his family (notably his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba), and the security forces under their control, for 40 years now. To maintain power, they have become increasingly repressive and corrupt, suppressing democracy and legitimate challenges by any who speak out against them by using violent and illegal means on a large scale, including abductions, illegal detentions, torture and murder.

The situation in Uganda reminds me of the Biblical story of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt who were abused and kept in slavery. God tried various ways to try and persuade Pharoah to let the Israelites go, but Pharoah wouldn’t listen. But God had raised up Moses and tasked him with leading the people out of bondage in Egypt into freedom – a suicidal plan, it would seem.  God’s plan was not for a violent uprising, as is so often the case througout history. But his plan required faithful and precise obedience by his chosen leaders and all the Israelites.

Bobi Wine is an exceptional (and almost unique) leader in terms of his vision and commitment to the teachings of Jesus about the need to confront and resist evil with good, to bring about change by using only legitimate, non-violent means. And his millions of followers are exceptional – they have shown extraordinary restraint and courage in the face of being abused by the security forces who have caused serious injuries and deaths. The NUP movement is nothing less than inspirational, an example to the whole world.

I am praying that Thursday (12th January 2026) will be the day when the people of Uganda are led out of their bondage in a cruel, undemocratic regime which, despite earlier developments, is now destroying and enslaving Uganda, causing untold misery.

All forecasts suggest that Museveni would be ousted by democratic means – through elections. However, he holds on to power through corruption and force. But God is powerful in hidden and secret ways, equipping people to overcome evil with good. Bobi Wine and his millions of supporters have not given up. They trust in God – and in truth and justice. We admire and respect you.

Just as God parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt safely, and then provivded special columns of cloud and fire to guide them day and night, so God is able to open up the way for the people of Uganda to leave behind what has held them in bondage and lead them forward to a new future of hope. God does not promise it will all suddenly become easy – there is a long way for Ugandans to travel as you llook for a new and better way of living. The journey will only just begin on Thursday, after years of tribulation and preparation. Many will complain on the way, just as the Israelites did in the desert.

For example, it will be so hard to undo a system of corruption which is at the core of Ugandan life and governance, at every level – and which keeps people in bondage and poverty and denies justice for all. (Uganda is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.) As Jesus said again and again, the rich find it very hard to give up wealth and live a life of integrity, so there will be resistance.

Micah tells us what God expects of everyone, including leaders: “To do justice (act justly), to love kindness (have mercy), and to walk humbly with your God”. (Micah 6:8) I know Bobi Wine, following the example of Jesus, already practises “servant leadership”, which is rare. It is a sign of strength and hope, not weakness and failure.

To those in positions of power and control over the electoral process in Uganda, it is not (yet) too late to act with justice and integrity. You have just two days to change your direction and decide to leave the bondage of corruption and cross the barrier of the Red Sea to find the freedom and peace (not just for yourself but for your country) that comes from “acting justly, loving mercy and kindness, and walking with humility and integrity”. It may feel impossible to make such a change at this late hour, but be assured that with God, everything is possible. You have nothing to fear from Bobi Wine. If you have committed crimes against the law, then of course due justice will prevail.

“Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit”, says the Lord God. (Zechariah 4:6). Please join with me to pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on Uganda this week so that justice may be done and democracy upheld. May God’s Holy Spirit take control and protect all those involved in the elections on Thursday, 15th January 2026.