‘Third Time Lucky’: Inside Bobi Wine’s new song demanding Besigye release, other political prisoners

Kampala, (UG):– Ugandan musician-turned politician, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has released a new song titled “Third Time Lucky” to demand the release of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners who are still in detention under prison facilities.

“Here is a song we recorded last week, in partnership with @BrenthurstF to raise awareness about the continued detention of Dr. Kizza @kizzabesigye1 and the other political prisoners!” Bobi Wine, who is also the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader posted via X while announcing the song’s release on Wednesday evening.

The song advocates for the freedom of jailed opposition figure, Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time Ugandan presidential candidate who has stayed in detention since his abduction from Kenya in November and is now facing charges of treason before the Ugandan court.

About ‘Third Time Lucky‘ Song

Written by Robin Auld and Greg Mills and mixed by renowned Ugandan producer Paddyman, Bobi Wine’s “Third Time Lucky” aligns with his long-standing calls for democracy, human rights, and political freedom in Uganda and across Africa.

“Recorded in Kampala, Uganda in February 2025, ‘Third Time Lucky’ is a call for Africa’s third liberation sung by me, mixed by Paddyman, and written by Robin Auld and Greg Mills. It was released to raise awareness about the abduction from Kenya and subsequent arraignment before the military tribunal of freedom icon, Dr. Besigye,” he said.

The song, according to Bobi, highlights the abduction of Dr. Besigye from Kenya and his subsequent arraignment before a military tribunal. It features calls to “Free Kizza” from prominent global figures, including Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana, former Panamanian President Martin Torrijos, former Botswana President Ian Khama, and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

It also features former Lesotho Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro, the Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba, and several ministers and opposition leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

“When we unite with one voice, things happen. Break the chains of all political prisoners in Uganda, Africa, and the world,” the NUP principal emphasized in his post.

The release of Bobi Wine’s “Third Time Lucky” is expected to intensify pressure on Ugandan authorities and rally global support for Besigye and other political detainees.