Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine will share the big stage with ex-Trump security advisor John Bolton and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s advisor.
Bobi Wine, John Bolton, Chrystia Freeland and Senator Mark Kelly are the honorees for the 2026 heroes of democracy.
2026 heroes of democracy John Bolton, Chrystia Freeland, Senator Mark Kelly and Bobi Wine will be honoured from 6:30pm-10:30pm on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City during the heroes of democracy gala organized by Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI).
RDI Chairman Garry Kasparov noted that the heroes of democracy gala was meant “to celebrate freedom and those that make it possible at a unique evening mixing glamor, dinner, and most importantly, community and inspiration.”
Kasparov added: “Plenty of organizations focus on what they’re fighting against. RDI’s Heroes of Democracy Gala is an opportunity to envision the future that we’re fighting for. Our honorees didn’t merely take great personal risks to defend freedom; they understood that they had to offer people something to aspire to. We’re excited to honor them and raise a toast with an incredible group of people!”
The 2026 Heroes of Democracy Gala will be hosted by Margaret Hoover, the host of Firing Line’ on PBS,’ and a CNN Political Commentator; as well as John Avlon, a RDI Advisor, Host of ‘How to Fix It’ The Bulwark, and a Former CNN Anchor.
PROFILES OF 2026 HEROES OF DEMOCRACY AS SHARED BY RDI
Bobi Wine: President of the National Unity Platform of Uganda; Member of the Parliament of Uganda (2017-21)
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known internationally as Bobi Wine, left behind a career as a music superstar to stand up for freedom in Uganda. He has run for president twice, facing vote-rigging and intimidation. After the most recent fraudulent election, the regime ramped up its threats of arrest, forcing Mr. Ssentamu into hiding. He continues to fight for democracy with bravery and unshakable optimism.
Ambassador John Bolton: US National Security Advisor (2018-19); US Ambassador to the UN (2005-06)
Ambassador John Bolton has spent his career promoting American leadership on the world stage. He broke with the Trump administration over its abandonment of America’s democratic allies. Last year, the administration sent federal agents to raid Ambassador Bolton’s home and indicted him in an action widely seen as political retaliation—reinforcing Bolton’s reputation as someone who puts principles over partisan loyalties, no matter the risks.
Senator Mark Kelly: US Senator for Arizona; Captain, US Navy (ret.); NASA Astronaut (1996-2011)
Senator Mark Kelly saw combat as a naval aviator in the Gulf War and served on four space shuttle missions, commanding two. Together with his wife, Rep. Gabby Giffords, he co-founded the gun safety organization GIFFORDS. More recently, Senator Kelly faced threats to his life and freedom for calling on members of the military to obey their constitutional oaths.
Chrystia Freeland: Economic Advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (2020-24); Foreign Minister of Canada (2017-19)
Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, is the incoming Chief Executive of the Rhodes Trust and an economic advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A public servant, international negotiator, and author, she is a leading advocate for liberal democracy and a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.
It should be remembered that a US senator has called on President Trump to punish Muhoozi and Museveni’s government over Bobi Wine, attracting reactions from regime apologists, as reported Here and There.
Meanwhile, the US has slapped sanctions against Kagame’s Rwandan army RDF and top military officials. (See Details Here and There).
