NUP presidential candidate Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Mr. Wine, is still in Western Uganda as he continues his efforts to replace Uganda’s long-time military ruler, Yoweri Museveni.
Last week, he began his campaign in Buganda, starting from his home district of Gomba, and concluded the central region in Lyantonde, where he received a befitting welcome as their own son.
He then entered Ankole, beginning his tour in Kazo and Kiruhura, the home area of his opponent, Museveni. Although tribal cards were played against him, that did not stop him from continuing his hunt for votes in the region.
In Mbarara City, the main town of Ankole, Kyagulanyi held an electrifying rally, despite earlier attempts by NRM agents to discourage people from attending. To their astonishment, the NUP candidate attracted a massive crowd that left the NRM camp in disarray. Members of his campaign team were later arrested by police on their way to a second rally in Bwizibwera a clear indicator that the ruling camp is in panic for the growing popularity in nrm’s historical strongholds.
However, NRM mobilizers downplayed the situation. “We’re not worried about the many people who attended Bobi Wine’s rally because people go to see a famous musician for free,” said NRM MP for Igara East, Michael Mawanda Maranga. “Most of those people are brought by him.” His remarks, however, left a lot to be desired.
Kyagulanyi later traversed Rwampara and Ntungamo, the birthplace of his wife Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi. Despite provocation and tribal rhetoric, Bobi Wine remained steadfast in spreading his gospel of a new Uganda one that does not discriminate. He urged people to unite and liberate themselves from the bondage of dictatorship.
“In other parts of Uganda, people think those in Western Uganda are well off they believe you have jobs, good hospitals, quality schools, and paved roads. But the reality is the opposite. I have seen impassable roads in Ankole, Museveni’s birthplace, and visible poverty in the community. Many of you have been displaced from your land by Museveni’s cohorts. These are the same problems we face in Buganda, Busoga, Bugishu, Lango, and even Karamoja, where the situation is worse.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, it’s time to unite and get rid of our common problem. Our exploiters are taking advantage of our divisions. We keep turning a blind eye to our suffering while prioritizing tribal divisions and that’s how we remain oppressed. The ball is in our hands.” Kyagulanyi
After a day of rest at his wife’s parents’ home in Ntungamo, the presidential hopeful resumed his revolutionary gospel in the Kigezi sub-region of Western Uganda. He began in Rukiga and Kabale districts, accompanied by his elegant and graceful wife Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi. His message of unity remained consistent with what he preached in Ankole the previous week.
As usual, hundreds and thousands of supporters flooded the streets to welcome what they described as “the son of the soil of Uganda.” Meanwhile, in the NRM camp, Museveni held a rally in Mbale, but it ended in disappointment. Most attendees were school children, many of whom were heard chanting “Bobi Wine!” a clear sign of NUP’s growing influence even within NRM ranks.
Today, Kyagulanyi continues his revolutionary train in Rubanda and Kisoro
