By Brian Kisuule II
President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and former Kyadondo East legislator, H.E. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has successfully concluded his political tour of South Africa. The tour aimed at mobilizing Ugandan political exiles and the diaspora in support of the struggle to end what he described as four decades of misrule by Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The NUP leader commenced his visit with a gathering in Johannesburg on Mandela Day, before traveling to Umthatha and finally wrapping up the tour in Cape Town on July 20th. Bobi Wine was accompanied by Members of Parliament Hon. Hassan Kirumira, Hon. Patrick Nsamba (Kassanda North), and Hon. Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, along with several NUP coordinators across South Africa.
Richard Kamya, formerly head of the NUP Gauteng Branch, was officially elevated to lead the NUP South Africa Chapter, replacing Jaaja Ibu, who has now been appointed to oversee NUP operations across the entire African continent, according to party official Alima Kalandalugo.
At every stop, Ugandans turned out in large numbers, expressing hearty support for the opposition leader and his message of change. Speaker after speaker described Uganda’s current political climate as oppressive, and asserted that the struggle to unseat dictator Museveni was “a point of no return.
“We vow to fight Museveni until we end his decadence,” said Hon. Kirumira.
Hon. Patrick Nsamba decried the deteriorating infrastructure and public services in his constituency despite its proximity to Kampala.
“There are no hospitals or schools. The few we have are in ruins. We have no proper roads connecting us to the capital, hindering trade and economic development,” Nsamba said. “Youth are hopeless, resorting to drinking waragi(locally made spirit) and others seeking greener pastures abroad.”
He also praised South African-based activists Umar Kisseka and satirical blogger Dog Nation for using humor in activism, he called Bobi Wine a “beacon of hope” for Uganda.
Kampala city lawyer Hon. Nalukoola the royal’s folk (omwaana waboobo) a public speaker and an intellectual per excellence as described by Mc Mr. Alima Kalandalugo. After taking all Ugandans in the diaspora to contribute to the cause, before inviting Bobi Wine to address the crowd.
In his emotionally charged speech, musician cum politician Bobi Wine emphasized unity and hope, declaring that Uganda is not beyond redemption.
“Uganda is captured from its state institutions to natural resources but I want to give you hope. Victory is on our side. To achieve it, we must be united,” he said.
Citing the examples of South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi, he reminded his supporters that these countries had also endured dictatorship and political turmoil but ultimately emerged victorious.
Quoting South African anti-apartheid hero Steve Biko, Bobi Wine said: “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”
He added: “As a musician, I miss performing, before you were paying to see me as a top musician but we have a mission to accomplish for the public good. Just like South Africans once gathered in Tanzania, Zambia, and Uganda to plan for their liberation, today we do the same.”
Bobi Wine condemned widespread corruption and nepotism in Uganda, citing a report by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Betty Kamya, which revealed that over UGX 10 trillion is mismanaged annually nearly a third of the country’s revenue.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections, Bobi Wine used the platform to outline his vision for the country which all sum up to better infrustracture for better Ugandans.“We don’t need guns to remove a dictator. That only replaces an old dictator with a younger one. People Power is the solution, not violence, he stated. Museveni is at his weakest point, that’s why roads are closed whenever he moves around the city. He lives like a fugitive in a country he claims to lead.”
Bobi Wine concluded his South African tour in Cape Town on July 20th before returning to Uganda to continue his mobilization efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.
