Exiled National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has been honoured with the Heroes of Democracy Award by the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI).
In a statement, RDI said Kyagulanyi was recognised for his commitment to democratic principles, civic participation, and the defence of fundamental rights.
“Through personal sacrifice and principled leadership, he has inspired millions to believe in the power of peaceful civic engagement and accountable governance,” the organisation said.
RDI, which says its mission is to confront authoritarianism globally, presented the award during a ceremony in New York attended by other honourees, including former US National Security Advisor John Bolton, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and US Senator Mark Kelly.
Using the platform, Kyagulanyi criticised the Ugandan government under Yoweri Museveni, describing it as a decades-long “gun rule” that has left citizens facing repression. Addressing the audience, he said he was not attending as an exile but as a representative of Ugandans demanding democratic change.
“I am here as a spokesperson for a country of nearly 50 million people who refuse to give up,” he said.
Kyagulanyi painted a bleak picture of the situation in Uganda, alleging ongoing abductions and human rights violations.
“While we gather here in comfort, people back home continue to suffer,” he said.
He highlighted the experiences of women affected by state violence, including his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, whom he said was mistreated by security forces, as well as other individuals he said had faced persecution.
Kyagulanyi also called on the international community, particularly the United States, to prioritise human rights in its foreign policy and impose sanctions on alleged violators under laws such as the Magnitsky Act.
“We are not asking you to come and help us. We are asking you to stop sponsoring our oppression,” he said.
Before receiving the award, Kyagulanyi engaged the audience with a musical performance, drawing cheers from attendees. Kyagulanyi left Uganda following the January 2026 general elections, which he claims he won.
Official results published in the Uganda Gazette indicate that Museveni secured 71.6 per cent of the vote, while Kyagulanyi garnered over 2.7 million votes. He has since indicated plans to return to Uganda, though no timeline has been specified.
“I intend to go back to my country,” he said, “because this is not a third-world country; we only have third-world leaders.”
For 45 years and counting, at every twist and turn: side walk, street, byway and highway there are AK47 and machinegun wielding policemen/women and UPDF soldiers; who in his/her right state of mind can still deny that Uganda is under the iron “gun rule” of our PROBLEM OF AFRICA, Gen Tibuhaburwa?
In other words, since Uganda has never gone to war with any country/neighbouring countries, and the military is not in the Barracks: for the same period of time (45 years and counting) Mr. M7 has been in a state of war/ emergency with Ugandans. And now his son as the Chief of Défense Force, commanding and waging that war on Ugandans.
Bobi Wine enssured Rwandese Museveni won last fake presidential election, now is he waiting to do so in 2031?
Bobi Wine was 5 years old when Rwandese Museveni came to power, yet he’s not aware of this when all he needs are call for an end to the tribalistic system & sing Ugandans to UNITY, why?
Bobi Wine, why ensure Rwandese Museveni family owns Uganda constitutionally, knowing as long as Ugandans remain powerless tribally divided, there is no chance they will stop the evil family?
Bobi Wine, why are you so so happy just waiting for 2031 fake presidential election to constitutionalise Rwandese Museveni & ensure his 50 years of rule?
Lakwena, thanks.
It’s up to Ugandans to stop Rwandese Museveni but only their UNITY as ONE PEOPLE fighting for Common Destiny, Better Future…in a Uganda that will belong to them, will give them chance!
After ensuring Rwandese Museveni’s 45 years with last useless fake presidential election, Bobi Wine is so so happy in USA & isn’t even talking about what’s going on in the Uganda he ensured remains Museveni’s family business for 45 years with last fake presidential election!
But of course, only Ugandans as ONE PEOPLE in UNITY, will stop Rwandese Museveni & any Ugandan from ensuring they are slaves for good with fake elections!
Is there any reason Ugandans go for next useless parliamentary election that will further protect Rwandese Museveni with the fake parliament, pretending Uganda is a democracy?