
“I take this opportunity to announce that what we are witnessing right now is the launch of a very critical phase in our struggle to liberate ourselves from a dictatorship which has crippled our country for more than three decades!” – Bobi Wine (03.11.2020)
Today on the 3rd November, the National Unity Party President and now nominated Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine held his speech at Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. This I have overlooked today, because of the actions made by the authorities. They showed their fierce manner and didn’t do honour to the Presidential Candidates. Not only Bobi Wine, but also Patrick Oboi Amuriat.
However, this story will be looking into the speech made by Bobi Wine. Where I will take passages and discuss these briefly. Just to bring some reflection into his speech. There is also a vast difference on the manner, which it was made. In comparison to the President announcement of Manifesto and launching his campaign with a warning. That is why it needs a little dive into it.
A really touching start to his speech with these lines:
“Countrymen and women, I come before you not as the most experienced person, but as the most committed person, ready to lead the mission of turning a new page in the history of our country. For the last 58 years, our nation has suffered so many problems, key amongst which have been dictatorships, each trying so hard to outdo its predecessors in violence, looting and plunder. We have not witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one government to another” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).
Here is following the parallels to what Dr. Kizza Besigye have been saying for ages. This isn’t new, but his way of inserting himself into the same struggle. This show maturity of him. As his acknowledging the same issues as previous freedom fighters has fought for.
“And three years ago, this greed caused him to act in the most shameful manner, and the last safeguard in form of age limit was removed. Museveni, like Idi Amin declared himself president for life for our country. Little did he anticipate that this generation would stop at nothing to put an end to his regime! And so today I have news for Gen. Museveni- since you have failed to control your greed and lust for power, our generation is determined to save you from yourself and stop your life presidency project” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).
Here he aims directly at the heart of the regime and the self-styled President for Life. Where he shown his character and fierce tone. Where he goes for his title and also the way he runs things. In a way undress the truths that everyone knows. It is not like this isn’t common knowledge, but he says it directly.
“I present myself not as a boss, but as a servant of you, the people! While our detailed plan of action towards a new Uganda will be presented to you in our manifesto, allow me to state that we will run a people centered government which will focus on these areas” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).
Here is was contrasting himself to the President. The President is usually bashing himself in glory and is doing this all for himself. That is something he has stated in interviews as well. That he doesn’t work for the public, but works for himself. This is something the President said on several occasions. Therefore, here Bobi Wine played a smart card to prove how his different to the President.
“Fellow Ugandans, there are many other things we plan to do for our nation, some of which are entailed in our manifesto. Gen. Museveni has destroyed so many dreams of Ugandans. But today we say to you, dare to dream again. We can and shall transform our nation. A nation that has been reduced into a laughing stock shall once again rise to the top and be the true pearl of Africa” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).
This here is the words of a statesman wishing people to dream and wanting to make a vast difference. Where he wants to be the opposite of the President. That is very clear and he got to be different to matter. This is why the words like this is so powerful and touching. Because his heart is in a good place.
He ended with a real salvo:
“To all Ugandans out there, we rally you to treat this not as a usual election but as a revolutionary election. The stakes are so high. The transition stares us in the face. We have entered the ring and we shall not come out. This is it. It is a battle between the past and the future. The old and the new. Power is now in the hands of the people of Uganda and they can choose who to trust it with. For all those who have been waiting for the time, it is now. Tusimbudde paka Entebe mu ntebe. This is a mission to Freedom. We are removing a dictator” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).
These words are the ones that triggered Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga Muhoozi earlier today. Where he said he would destroy Bobi Wine. We have seen what the state does and how they are targeting him. Arresting him and re-arresting him. Therefore, the words of a revolutionary elections is needed. Because, the polls is only a tool or a weapon. As the system is working directly against Bobi Wine. The NUP will not win by the ballot, but will win by a popular uprising. This is what his saying here indirectly, which is true. That is something the National Resistance Movement (NRM) fears, as they have seen other dictators fall for the same reason.
Bobi Wine held a great speech. One for the books. This here should have been a watershed moment. A speech that would be discussed. However, the brutality of the arrest and re-arrest have been the talking-points. That is for a reason. Naye, we should not forget a speech like this. Peace.