Iganga, Uganda: The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine has openly called on First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga to abandon the ruling NRM and join NUP, describing her as a “quality leader” betrayed by her own party.
While commissioning the new NUP Eastern Region headquarters in Iganga on Monday, August 25, Bobi Wine praised Kadaga as a selfless servant loved by the people across the political divide, saying she deserved to align with forces of change rather than “cling to those who have turned against her.”
“There’s a person I like so much, most of you in Busoga call her Maama but she’s my Aunt. I send this message to my Aunt Kadaga that we love you so much because you’re quality. Kindly come and we change the situation. Remember, those people don’t like you, why do you stick on them?” Kyagulanyi said as supporters cheered.
The former Presidential candidate also lashed out at the NRM government for what he termed as systematic attempts to stifle NUP activities, including blocking their offices. He mocked the ruling party for lacking recognized party offices even after nearly four decades in power, saying it was ironic that NUP, despite persecution, was now setting the pace.
“This is what we can do now, we’re not yet in power, but we are being persecuted. If we had that precious thing called freedom, we could develop this place further. We hope to do more when we regain our freedom,” Bobi Wine said.
The Iganga event, which began as a secret launch to evade police disruption, attracted large crowds of NUP supporters. Traffic in Iganga town was temporarily paralyzed as jubilant youths poured onto the streets, prompting police to fire teargas to restore order.
Kyagulanyi was later escorted out of town by security after the function.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, and other senior officials accompanied Bobi Wine. Local leaders in Busoga hailed the new office as a milestone in strengthening NUP’s grassroots presence in the region.
Mr. Ayagalaki Jamal, a Bugiri NUP leader, applauded Kyagulanyi’s leadership style, saying: “Even with limited resources, he has shown us that visionary and selfless leadership is possible. This office will be a center of service, mobilization, and progress for Eastern Uganda.”
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