Ugandan politics just got a lot more intense as Kimanya-Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika made bold claims against National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine. Bwanika, who once stood beside Bobi Wine as a proud member of the NUP, now says he deeply regrets ever calling him “Mr. President.”
In a passionate speech to his supporters and the press, Bwanika accused Bobi Wine of working behind the scenes to weaken and replace strong leaders in the Buganda region with loyal followers of his own. According to Bwanika, this plan is not about building a better Uganda, but about political control.
“I believed in him,” Bwanika confessed. “I thought Bobi Wine wanted real change. But now I see he’s not interested in real democracy or promoting good leadership. He just wants power for himself, even if it means silencing credible leaders in Buganda.”
Bwanika was particularly upset about NUP’s recent choices to front David Lewis Rubongoya for the Kampala Central MP seat and Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro for Nakawa Division. He argued that these decisions are not based on the needs and values of the people in Buganda, but rather on loyalty to the party’s inner circle.
“These are not the kinds of leaders Buganda needs,” Bwanika said. “We need people who truly understand our communities—not just party picks from the headquarters.”
His statements have stirred heated debate among opposition supporters. Some back Bwanika’s stand, saying Bobi Wine needs to listen to voices within the region. Others feel that public disagreements like these could hurt the opposition’s unity ahead of the critical 2026 general elections.
As tension rises, one thing is clear Uganda’s political arena is entering a new, unpredictable chapter. Whether Bwanika’s message will divide or strengthen the opposition remains to be seen, but he has certainly sparked a conversation that many had been avoiding.
