As the presidential campaign enters its second month, former Kyadondo East legislator Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has begun his campaign trail in the Buganda region, starting with Butambala and Gomba districts in central Uganda.
Kyagulanyi enjoys massive support in Buganda. In the last elections, the region voted overwhelmingly for its own son. His return to the area brought activities to a standstill as hundreds and thousands of people filled the streets to welcome him, despite heavy military deployment armed with guns and sticks.
The scenes on the roads were reminiscent of those witnessed during the Kabaka’s wedding. Even Kyagulanyi appeared overwhelmed by the huge crowds chanting his name. A day before his visit, residents had cleaned the roads in anticipation of welcoming their beloved leader.
While addressing supporters in Butambala, the charismatic candidate thanked the people for their love and hospitality, saying he truly felt at home. During the same rally, Kyagulanyi sent a message to the Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama. “Byabakama, make no mistake this time. It is not business as usual, this is a protest vote.”
He also reminded the people of Buganda of their central role in Uganda’s politics. “Wherever I went in Acholi, Teso, Karamoja, and other regions people told me, ‘Bobi Wine, you have our votes, but the command centre is Buganda.’ You, the people of Buganda, must understand that you hold a central position in this country. Use it to redirect Uganda.”
Kyagulanyi warned against those he called “conspirators” who secretly receive money from President Museveni while pretending to be part of the suffering population. “Museveni has been using some of our fellow Baganda, and people feared to speak out because they had positioned themselves as distinguished Baganda (Abebitibwa). But I will not fear you, unlike Dr. Besigye, who hesitated to expose your treacherous behaviour for fear of being rejected in Buganda,” he said.
In areas such as Kyengera, Kitemu, and Nsangi, the atmosphere resembled Palm Sunday as people waved palm branches, welcoming Kyagulanyi like Jesus of Nazareth.
He urged his supporters not to attack the management of the Kingdom’s radio and TV stations for not hosting him, saying, “Buganda is under captivity including the Kabaka but once we take power, all will be rectified and Buganda will be free.”
In Gomba, where he concluded his campaign for the day, the scene was described as a sea of red, symbolizing the strength and passion of his supporters.
