Ugandan opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has been cleared by the electoral commission to start official campaigns for the presidency.

He will face off against nine other contenders including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni who has ruled the country since 1986.

Bobi Wine has told his supporters in a tweet that they “now enter the most critical phase of our liberation struggle”.

Police had earlier fired tear gas to disperse his supporters who turned up to show support in the capital, Kampala.