Bobi: We can reconcile with Mpuuga, Museveni

ROBERT KYAGULANYI SSENTAMU, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has announced his intention to run for Uganda’s presidency in the 2026 elections if his party endorses him.

Speaking from his home in Magere, Kasangati town council, Wakiso district, Kyagulanyi stated his readiness to challenge President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, or any candidate fielded by the ruling party.

His declaration marks the beginning of what is expected to be another fiercely contested election season in Uganda’s political landscape following their heated rivalry in the 2021 presidential election. During a question-and-answer session with the media, Kyagulanyi addressed a wide array of issues, signaling his party’s focus on engaging with critical national concerns as they gear up for the 2026 polls.

Kyagulanyi emphasized his commitment to the electoral process, reaffirming his determination to represent his party and champion the voices of Ugandans seeking change.

“I am ready to challenge Museveni or any candidate his party decides to front,” he told journalists during the press conference. Kyagulanyi also addressed the possibility of reconciliation between the National Unity Platform (NUP) and former deputy president Mathias Mpuuga, who is now a member of the newly launched Democratic Alliance, as well as with President Museveni.

While emphasizing NUP’s focus on principles and accountability, Kyagulanyi indicated that reconciliation is conditional and must align with the party’s commitment to justice and democratic values. The Electoral Commission of Uganda has already released the roadmap for the 2026 elections, with key activities such as candidate nominations scheduled for this year.

Muhammad Kirwana has curated a slightly abridged version of the recent question-and-answer session, distilling the key points for clarity and brevity.

Will you be challenging President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 general elections?

I have always encouraged Ugandans, especially the youth, to actively engage in the politics of their country. To the young and educated, and to the seniors who are qualified—if you don’t participate in politics, you will be governed by those less capable than you.

As for whether I am ready and willing to challenge Museveni, the real question is, is he ready to accept defeat? My humble submission is this: whenever and wherever I am called upon to take on the role, I am available and ready.

This year, we have seen reports of factions within the National Unity Platform (NUP), and more are expected in the coming year. What is your comment on this?

There are no factions in NUP—none at all. Don’t let anyone deceive you into believing otherwise. We have seen some individuals pretending to represent factions of NUP, but they are not.

Five years ago, some of these individuals requested party cards, and when we denied them, they went their own way. Now, five years later, they are claiming to ‘end their cooperation’ with us.

To them, I say: please leave us alone! We also have those who used the NUP card to gain office but later sold out to the regime. The regime is now using these individuals to falsely portray divisions within our party. Additionally, there are others who were once senior members of NUP but got involved in corruption. We disassociated ourselves from them because they chose to associate with the corrupt regime.

These individuals cannot claim to represent NUP. Wherever they appear, don’t allow them to misrepresent us— they are not part of NUP, nor do they represent any legitimate faction. Let me be clear: there is only one National Unity Platform, and we stand united.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba has stated that police should shut down any meeting where the first family and senior government officials are insulted. As we approach 2025, a campaign year, are you worried?

It is deeply troubling to hear such a reckless and immoral statement from someone occupying one of the highest offices in our military. In a functional country, such a person would have been immediately dismissed, forced to resign, or even court-martialed, as his statement is clearly illegal.

But in Uganda, Museveni behaves as though he is the law, and his son acts as though he is above it. Both seem to believe the law is subordinate to them. That is why Muhoozi can make such inflammatory remarks and face no consequences. This is the reality of Uganda under Museveni.

If Uganda had a functioning justice system or true rule of law, anyone who commits a crime—regardless of their status—would be held accountable.

For the son of Gen Museveni, who also heads the military, to make careless and illegal orders like this, only underscores the extent of our nation’s dysfunction. It reflects not just a failed state but a rotten state.

My advice to Gen Museveni is simple: take your son to rehab as soon as possible!

Would you advise other political prisoners to accept the charges and be released, as the 19 have done, especially since you also admit they are political prisoners?

“I would never advise any prisoner to accept a crime they didn’t commit because that would leave a permanent stain on their record. This regime wants people to plead guilty to create the illusion that their arrests were justified when, in reality, they were not.

I understand why some choose to plead guilty—prison is an incredibly harsh and uncomfortable place. For example, when someone like Olivia Lutaaya decides to plead guilty, I don’t blame them. It’s a personal decision, and the circumstances in prison can push people to their limits.

Whenever we visit those still imprisoned, we remind them that the choice is theirs to make. We support them, whatever decision they come to, especially those who remain steadfast and focused on their cause. While some may be influenced or even brainwashed, our commitment is unwavering—we stand with all our political prisoners, regardless of their circumstances.”

We are talking about prisoners who pleaded guilty and were released, but what about the 18 missing? What is the latest update on them?

You may recall that Gen Museveni publicly admitted to having our people in custody. Additionally, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja acknowledged that John Bosco Kibalama was in their custody, claiming he had committed crimes. Meanwhile, Mariam Wangadya, chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, denied the existence of these individuals, even when their families provided evidence such as passports and national IDs to prove their identities.

It is clear these individuals exist. They have been verified and acknowledged by those in power. We continue to demand the return of our people, whether alive or dead. Their families and loved ones deserve answers, and we will not relent in our pursuit of justice for them.

We have seen fractures in the opposition, including within FDC, DP, and now NUP. What does this mean for the next election?

“It’s not surprising that as elections approach, Gen Museveni relies on his well-known divide-and-rule tactics. He uses taxpayers’ money to sow division.

It is this dirty money that caused rifts in UPC and FDC, and the same dirty money was used to buy off Norbert Mao of DP and others. It’s also this money that has been brought to NUP, along with certain masqueraders claiming to be former members of our party.

However, we are not called the National Unity Platform for nothing. Unity is at the core of who we are—unity of purpose and unity of morality. While there are efforts to divide us, they will only succeed in separating the unwanted elements from our ranks.

In the end, it’s good riddance, freeing us from individuals who were more of a burden than an asset. As NUP, we remain focused and steadfast. No amount of interference will derail us. Forward we move!

Is there room for reconciliation if an opportunity arises?

In the National Unity Platform (NUP), we are guided by principles, not emotions. We stick together on principle, and we part ways on principle. Our values, such as our firm stance against corruption, are non-negotiable, and we adhere to them strictly.

For those who have left NUP, including our former deputy president, there is no anger, hatred, or enmity involved—it is purely about principles. Reconciliation is possible, even now, but it comes with conditions. For our former deputy president to reconcile with NUP, they must:

Return the Shs 500 million in taxpayers’ money.
1. Apologize to Ugandans.
2. Resign from the position they awarded themselves using public funds.

If these conditions are met, reconciliation can happen. We do not hold permanent grudges against anyone. In fact, even with Museveni, if he stopped killing Ugandans and ended his culture of impunity, we would have no issue shaking hands with him. Our focus is on principles, accountability, and building a better future for all Ugandans.

Is there room for an opposition coalition?

We are open to forming a coalition of the willing. We are ready to work with anyone who is committed to pushing for change, ending Museveni’s dictatorship, and restoring democracy in Uganda.

Our willingness to collaborate transcends party lines or political affiliations. As long as the goal is a new Uganda, we are prepared to join hands with anyone who shares this vision.

What is your comment on Gen Salim Saleh criticizing artistes for disturbing him?

As an artiste—and one of the best in Uganda—I find the situation deeply unfair and cowardly. They stopped me from singing, yet the same people who suppress artistes are now buying off others. Many of my fellow artistes have seen this unfairness, but because their hearts are in their stomachs, they remain silent.

Recently, Shs 30 billion was given to artistes without any clear program or guidelines on how to use the money. Now, those who accepted it have been reduced to nothing. When someone pays you off, you lose your independence— your brain becomes irrelevant.

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