Bobi Wine’s Return: We knew Bobi Wine would be in trouble…

The announced 1 million march was the signal that the authorities needed to strike. They knew when Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine would arrive at Entebbe International Airport. That meant they could plan the day and ahead of time coordinate all the different security units in- and around the greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. This meant they could fix the roadblocks, ensure extensive safety procedures surrounding the airport and everything else.

That is why so many journalists, activists, MPs and others was scorned today as well. Because, this was bound to go down. There are many who are in jail right now for participating or trying to greet Bobi Wine at Entebbe. They are now punished for saying “hello” to someone. That is the gist of things and others behind bars just by mere association with the National Unity Platform (NUP).

That’s why scores of people are behind bars. While Bobi Wine himself is under house-arrest and we don’t know for how long. We know they will keep him there a while now and do it longer than the 48 hours stipulated by law. However, that doesn’t count for dissidents, but only for others. That we have seen over the years and the same procedure happens again and again.

Today was no difference… today was like it was scripted. We could write it in advance and he was arrested on the tarmac. Whisked away by security operatives and later dropped off in his own home in Magere, Wakiso District. Where the security guards of the home was ruffled with and the roads going to Bobi Wine was also besieged. That’s just how these stories goes and later we will know all the various charges pinned on people for today. There will be all sort of foolery going on, as we know the gist, but they cannot say that out loud. That would against the constitution and the rights to assembly, which means the state or authorities has to find other excuses for the detained people.

Some says today should be lesson. Well, it is return of the same old problems. The same state and its authorities that bashes itself in glory at Kololo Independence Grounds, but outside of that is going totally crazy against the dissidents. That happened at the same time and within the same city. One place there was happy speeches and glorious state affairs. While minutes away people was arrested, brutally detained and others was blocked by the police. Roads are sealed off and people using longer time to commute. Therefore, today was a bad day and not a learning experience.

Not like we haven’t seen this movie before under Museveni. This is a return of a well known chapter and franchise in the NRM Way. We have gotten to know this reoccurring events and they transpire like this. While the cronies and appointed leadership will downplay the whole ordeal or make it insignificant. We still saw what lengths they go to stop one man from not only entering as an ordinary civilian, but letting him assemble people or generate a welcoming ceremony. That is obviously a cardinal sin and only H.E. can have his entourage at Entebbe. The rest have to peasants and idle nobodies who cannot interfere in his sphere.

That’s why we know Bobi Wine would be in trouble. The moment the NUP announced the plans for a special return. That’s when we knew this was in the cards and the deck was shuffled in his disadvantage. There was nothing for Bobi Wine to gain. His getting sympathy and people know his troubles. He challenge the Gods, but they are unforgiving. They are relentless and will not give way. No, that’s not happening anytime soon.

Today is another proof of that. As long as the centre holds… there is little to nobody who can conquer it. Especially with soft-power and with usage of people power. No, that will not overcome it and not at this speed. The nation is numb and has seen these sorts of things play out so many times before. Without any changes and after a few days of house-arrest. Nothing will be any different and things will go back to normal. Because, that what matters… and Bobi Wine has continue the fight without getting anything out of it. Only a few headlines and some international press writing about it. However, elsewhere there is nothing to gain and there will be little fanfare. Only more of the same.

H.E. will prosper and others will suffer. Just like yesterday and the day before. Peace.

World Liberty Congress (WLC): WLC Calls for the immediate Release of Bobi Wine (05.10.2023)

Bobi Wine’s Return: UPF confirms his journey home…

We wish to inform the public that the NUP President, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was successfully escorted by our security team from Entebbe to his home in Magere. He reached his home around 11.20am, and is with his family and friends. Disregard rumors of his arrest by propagandists. Meanwhile, business activities and movements along Entebbe road, within Kampala and Gayaza, are flowing smoothly” (Uganda Police Force, 05.10.2023).

You cannot propagandize this one, the UPF is out of line and so is the authorities. If this was as peaceful and planned. The same ones wouldn’t arrest mobilizers the day ahead. Neither would journalists be arrested or other MPs for that matter. The authorities would act like this in Entebbe, Wakiso or in Kampala. Therefore, the downplay of their actions is infuriating.

If the authorities wanted things to be smooth. He would have checked in with immigration, gone through ordinary protocol as a traveller at an international airport and picked up his luggage before getting into a vehicle there. However, that was never the plan and the authorities arrested him with force on the tarmac of Entebbe International Airport. The pictures and videos are out going viral. Just showing what the state did. So, there is no turning backsies now.

This here just show what sort of oppression the state is up too and its a not a good look. They are just displaying it for the world to see. The citizens can see it too and that’s why they fear as well. Because, they will be in the slammer and we know the state bears grudges. That’s why people are behind bars today that was arrested during campaigns in 2020 and never been released to this day. It is just the way the regime operates in regard to Bobi Wine.

That’s why today is just a symbol of his rise to power and popularity. If they didn’t fear him. They wouldn’t act this way. If his voice didn’t matter, they wouldn’t send squadrons and officers in this manner. Therefore, we know Bobi Wine is important and is well regarded. That his political ambition and message is heard.

It is just tragic and we can wonder what excuses that will come next. We know that there will be MPs on bonds and Journalists too. Activists that will fight to be released, but will linger in jail because of today. That’s just normalcy under this regime. We have seen it before and it just continues…

It is tiring and exhausting, especially when the authorities could just let a man travel home. However, that’s too much to ask. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Return: The arrest on the tarmac of Entebbe and whisked away to his home..

Today, as the scheduled arrival from the diaspora, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested as he entered the soil at Entebbe International Airport. While roads have been blocked, MPs arrested, journalists arrested and other parts of the nation under siege.

The headquarters of National Unity Platform (NUP) been besieged. The home of Bobi Wine has been the same. Roads been put on roadblocks and opposition politicians has either been blocked from entering Entebbe or arrested on the spot. The authorities in full ammo and prepared to be hostile.

The 1 million march to Entebbe never happened. There was no joy or celebration. Only a massive appearance of security forces, which was prepared and ready. These have been ordered out in the streets. They have been checking every car destined for Entebbe. The area was also under black-out and clearly the state had no plan of giving Bobi Wine a safe journey home. No, they whisked him away and at the moment nobody knows where his at.

We can just speculate what reasons they will give. They cannot say he did some “offensive communication” or “incited to violence”. Because, the most violent ones was the security operatives who went after activists, journalists and MPs today and yesterday. They used violence and brutally went after the ones mobilizing the citizens to go to Entebbe.

By all means, we know the Police Force will fear-monger and they do so on the regular. They will pin something on Bobi Wine and the NUP. That is by default and they need an “excuse” for the arrest. Even if they are taking from it thin-air and with no justifiable reason to do so. There will be some lingering threat or facing judgement that makes no common sense. That’s because there was no common sense in acting this way either.

The arrest of Bobi Wine and others only shows how the state is lacking popularity. How it cannot contain and control everything. The regime is fearing that someone else is the star. They cannot accept that Bobi Wine is a political figure and with a reasonable popularity behind him. As they arrest civilians, politicians and journalists to silence the critics.

There are reports that after the arrest of Bobi Wine the security officers dropped him at his home in Magere, Wakiso District. That was done as anticipated, but not without ruffing up the security guards he has at his gates. They had to send a message and brutalize people even further. Just to prove their point. Just like when they confiscated journalists gear and arrested them for following the return of Bobi Wine today. It just shows how these things are and where the regime is at.

The ones defending this will find any excuse in book. We have heard it all before and this isn’t the first time the authorities of the Republic does this. No, they have done it before and we have heard the stories. It happened to Besigye and now it happens to Bobi Wine. The same ills of society returns and Bobi Wine just proves his power. When they have to turn up like this.

The current regime is showing its weakness and lack of sensibilities when it acts like this. It doesn’t have a heart or cautious mind. Just pure vile brutality and lack of self-control. As it takes a civilian and his associates as petty chicken thieves. Arresting and detaining people on the whims. That’s what they do and this is just showing the sinister side of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). As they are accepting the oppression and silencing of its critics. Peace.

Opinion: The danger of Bobi Wine’s return…

Tomorrow after visiting the diaspora and been active abroad, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine returns. There been planned march to welcome him home this time around. He has before travelled across the continent and overseas without any sort of action. Maybe because of the suspension of the mobilization tour and authorities ring-fencing him. The National Unity Platform (NUP) sought to use this strategy to show his popularity.

Certainly, the authorities are on alert. They have already arrested people in Wakiso, Entebbe and in the Greater Kampala Area. That’s all happening on the day before his arrival. It is just like the idea of showing up and greeting Bobi Wine is illegal. Just like they made it illegal to wear the red berets. Everything Bobi Wine and the NUP touches becomes a criminal activity. If not “terrorists” shows up and becomes a sudden threat to their existence.

Surely, the Kampala Metropolitan Police will be busy tomorrow as they are blocking the roads in a common fashion around Kololo Independence Grounds, as the President and fellow dignitaries are celebrating another “special day” there. That just happens to coincide with when Bobi Wine returns. We know that the President doesn’t want to share the spotlight or the stage with any other fellow. Therefore, we should expect the following tomorrow.

When Bobi Wine enters Entebbe from the plane. He will be whisked away into a “drone” and be silently taken away to another police post. Where his arrested “pre-emptively” to safeguard the community and “himself”. While they will say he did some “bad communication” or caused “havoc”. Either way they will leave him there for a few hours.

Later they will take him into another vehicle and transport him directly to his home in Magere, Wakiso district. Where there will be ready road-blocks and such all the way to Kampala. They will be in preparation for his return. As if he was an arch nemesis and a convicted felon. That’s what is coming for him. They will later address the fact and say his house arrested and not allowed to leave his home.

That’s what I am anticipating out of this. There is to much noise and the authorities will shut it down. It causes pain and suffering for the ones on top. They cannot accept this and Bobi Wine is just a nuance to them. The President is preparing his speech and fellow dignitaries the photo-shoots to look smart. They don’t need Bobi Wine to destroy the party and the festivities. No, they need to bash in glory and let the peasants do what they do…

We should anticipate more arrests, more kidnappings and sudden “drones” appearing in the next 48 hours. As the state is on high alert. They are not letting this one slide. It is like there is a will and way to just take people into custody. Just to prove a point and make their political activism illegal. That’s really it. Peace.

Opinion: The Authorities suddenly blocks Bobi Wine…

We’re going to put an end to the mob mentality, bullying and intimidating tactics of NUP radicals against civilians and law enforcers” – CP Fred Enaga (13.09.2023).

The honeymoon period of mobilization is over after the rally today in Arua and Pakwach. The National Unity Platform and Opposition Leader held a Mobilization Rally there today and that was the final straw.

The Uganda Police Force is now blocking any sort of gathering or public event from the NUP. Meaning the NUP is barred from mobilisation or campaign as it has done in Fort Portal, Kasese, Mbarara, Jinja, Mbale, Lira, Mayuge, Busia, Kabale, Hoima and Luweero.

So we have seen all through August and September the rising tides of change. The NUP and Bobi Wine has sparked excitement and public attention. In such a manner, that the authorities has had enough. They haven’t seen violence or public indecency. Neither has there been any looting or idle behaviour of hoodlums or anything else of that nature. There haven’t been any sort of problem or anything. Just public outcry and passion for the visitor from Kampala. The Bad Man from Kamwokya is sparking fire and making things lit.

That’s why the UPF and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has to block it. They cannot say the NUP is a regional party and neither their support is lacking in rural Uganda. They have shown that the public shows up in the North, East and the West. The NUP wasn’t even allowed to gather the public in their supposed heartland in the Central Region or Baganda. They did so in Luweero, but what if they did so in Entebbe, Masaka, Mukono or Wakiso. We can just imagine the crowds and public display if they tried in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Kampala. That would be massive and parts of the city would practically be at standstill.

This tour and mobilisation campaign is just proving that the propaganda and the stories told by the state isn’t true. They have tried to forge narratives and stories about the NUP. However, they have disregarded the sentiments from the people. It is just further proof of what is going on.

They are using sudden “terrorist threats” which has been unproven and just happen to become a scenario when the NUP moves around. It didn’t happen when the NUP and Bobi Wine remained under lock and key at home. No, it didn’t happen when they tried to run the party from the headquarters of Kamwokya. No, it had to appear and become a big deal the moment that Bobi Wine travelled across the land. Especially, when the authorities see how peaceful and how organized the events are. They see how the NUP and the people are welcoming him. It is a humiliating loss of words and shows how unpopular the current status quo is. Because, it is just telling them that this love isn’t mutual at all.

The police should do policing and not politicking. However, we know the UPF has to do this, because they are ordered to do so. The NUP and Bobi Wine has spanked the NRM around. He has shown his character and why his beloved in the Republic. Something that hurts the pride of Mzee and the son. These two are not capable of what Bobi Wine is currently doing. They don’t have the love or the heart in this game. They are only able to intimidate and buy-off the competition. These two don’t know what popularity means or how they can access that. That’s why they have to block and silence the dissidents. They have to vilify and penalize the ones who stands in their way.

Bobi Wine and the NUP was lucky they were able to keep on this long. They were able to visit so many places before the authorities called it off. That was just lucky. We could have seen martyrs and possible police brutality if this continued. We could assess that the state would do mass-arrests and pre-emptive detention of the NUP leadership. That would be within reason of the state and their law enforcement. We have seen that before and it wouldn’t be shocking in 2023.

The UPF and the NRM is just showing it true face. Instead of actually allowing and accepting the popularity of the NUP. They are instead using the law and the authorities to stop them from going around. That is childish and very cowardly of them. Pinning blame on the people and the ones who shows up to NUP rallies. That’s what the Police is doing and they aren’t showing any credible evidence or it. Neither does they have any. It is just like the planted weapons and bullets in Arua on Bobi Wine. That’s how they operate and they think we will believe them.

The UPF and NRM is lost here. It isn’t funny and it’s a losing strategy. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): Police Suspends NUP Mobilization Activities til Further Notice (13.09.2023)

Opinion: KaBobi’s Upcountry journey…

The recent mobilisation tour of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine is sort of ended. As he went to Mbarara, Fort Portal, Kasese, Lira and Luweero. He traversed the countryside and got the ability to hold rallies. This happened outside of the Election Road Map. Meaning the National Resistance Movement (NRM) isn’t fearing the crowds, the surge or the popularity of Bobi Wine.

Somehow they allowed him to do it. It must be reasons revealed at a later date. For sure we will see Muhoozi Kainerubaga do even more than sporting events and birthday bashes now. He will do campaigning for his MK Movement. That is the first step in all of this.

While we are seeing the NRM and the apologists attack every word or argument from Bobi Wine. They are downplaying and disregarding what they where seeing. If it wasn’t ferrying people from Kampala. It was all other things and they could just pin blame on him. While the army warned about wearing fatigues and red berets again. This time around there wasn’t mass-arrests, tear-gas, dispersing of crowds or any sort of brutal shut-down of the masses. No, the authorities and the state let it go. Even if there was instances of anti-riot police prepared up-country and waiting for the “final word”. Alas, that never happened and we can now wonder why…

That’s what is boggling my mind. The authorities and the state has allowed these sorts of things before with Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi. They allowed big rallies and such but by the time of reckoning. The state machinery would be on top and ensure a safe haven for the Presidency. That’s what it does and the opposition is left behind.

This is why we cannot read into too much the big crowds. Especially, if these crowds aren’t participating or partaking in the struggle. If they are showing up for the party and the festivities of the newest upstart. They have done so with the aforementioned leaders too and to no avail. Unless, Bobi Wine has the new wine and not just copying the old, which I hope is not the case.

Bobi Wine and the NUP shows by doing this that they are not a just a Baganda party. They are not just a Central Region party. They have support across the Report. In the West, East and North. They have it even in the heartland and where the Mecca of the NRM, the Luweero Triangle. That’s where he ended this journey this time around.

We have seen the crowds, the joy and the public pleasure of greeting Bobi Wine. His a voice of reason and a popular leader. However, Besigye could do the same in his heyday. He could be everywhere and crowds followed him. It was for a reason that he had the nickname “the People’s President” and he created the People’s Government. That’s all out of his popularity and his defiance against the state structures who wasn’t acknowledging his results in the polls. Therefore, Bobi Wine has to learn from this.

Bobi Wine cannot just bash in glory and repeat what Besigye did. Especially, if the end-game is to remove a dictator. He cannot run the same course and the same approach, and expect a different result. Then you are repeating, rinsing and repeating. It is another year and another time, but reality is more of the same. No changes but the faces of the opposition. The rest is continuing where the previous generation left-off.

This mobilization tour hopeful has something lasting results. More than opening up party offices. Mbabazi did the trick too as Go-Forward opening up offices up-country. That didn’t do much for him either. Alas, that is why Bobi Wine and the NUP needs to think smarter. They need to think of the long-con and the longevity. Not just ahead of the 2026 polls. There is more to life then the election cycle. That is the bitter pill and the costly one too. The political party has its life-blood there, but the message and the will to transform the nation has to come from within. From there spread to the masses. In such a fashion that they are will to battle and go to the trenches. Because after all these years, we know Museveni won’t be defeated on a ballot and the system is rigged against the opposition. Bobi Wine knows this very well and so does anyone else too.

The crowds, the speeches and the popularity is all fine. It is a nice view. However, he needs to think ahead and try to be two steps ahead of competition. While not being tricked or be a tool for the betterment of Muhoozi. That’s possibly the outcome here. As it vindicates him and gives him more reason to campaign ahead of 2026. Because, they allowed Bobi Wine so… Muhoozi should do it too.

We see you, yes, we see you. That’s the game and it is rigged. KaBobi is a maverick, but even those can become pawns. If they are not trying to outwit the ones who has power. Peace.

Opinion: Butchaman sold his soul and now he wants to reclaim it…

Without me NRM was not going to defeat Bobi Wine. I would like to thank President Museveni for appointing me as his advisor, I promise to be loyal to him. My brother Bebe Cool told me that Bobi Wine has one trick that he beats them with, he does not respond to people who attack him. I would like to tell you that I have come with 45 tricks to end Bobi Wine’s political fame” – Butchaman aka Mark Bugembe on 29th October 2019

Well, it is just one of those days… Mark Bugembe alias Butchaman has found out the hard way. Back in the day ahead of the 2021 elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was doing whatever it could to be viable and relevant in the ghettos. That was done because Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was a rising star there and becoming a leader of his own. Therefore, President Museveni sought after allies and friends of Bobi Wine to boost his campaign.

One of the men and people that the NRM captured was Butchaman. He was promised a fancy title, a livelihood and being closely associated with the President. He became all of a sudden the Presidential Advisor on Ghetto Affairs. That was done to hurt Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement.

Alas, while that was done in October 2019. There was other who followed him and these has also gotten scorned. In the hey-day and the beginning they will get all the perks. However, that will not last… because they aren’t bringing much to the table. They where poached to hurt and be the demise of another political leader. That’s why they are appointed and why they left the side of former friends of Bobi Wine. It’s all for Museveni to show his power and might. That he could sway them and get them under his roof.

Now we are in the middle of July 2023 and the 2021 election is a fading memory for some. Even if the ramifications of it is still felt to this day. Families are hurt, families are without their fathers or mothers, as they are detained for their political affiliation. If not they have lost loved ones just for associating with Bobi Wine. Because that all happened before and after the polls. That’s a fact… the state didn’t just alter the results and rig the elections. It also hurt the ones who stood tall and are still standing.

When you know this and read that Butchaman is disappointed that he only see Museveni on the TV and wants to return to Bobi. It’s just like… why bother now? You ditched him when he needed you and when the Movement, and party was getting operative. That’s when you moved to a safe-haven and securing your own self.

Maybe the man should use the 45 tricks of his sleeve and change the narratives of his own life. Maybe the supposed Presidential Advisor could give some solid advice for ones. I know I am asking a lot, but I am indifferent about this man. He sold his soul and he has to carry that burden now. He cannot just reclaim it and get accepted into the fold.

Butchaman thought he had gotten the trophy and the prize. He thought he was the next big thing and what the NRM was missing. Alas, he couldn’t see that they was just using him as a prop and a plot to undermine Bobi Wine. While that didn’t last or work. They are just leaving him behind and forgetting about him. He is of no use and certainly, why should the NUP or the People Power Movement trust him?

He already accepted the bag and the title. Butchaman can easily do it again. Peace.

Opinion: Mwiru is becoming a journeyman…

“If you fail to solve your problems in the bedroom as a man and a woman, you have a problem. Paul Mwiru, you will keep running until you die. Even twins don’t think alike. We must deal with internal and external struggles. Does this mean that if they get problems in ANT, he will run away? You must remain in the struggle” – Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Muhamadi Matovu – ‘Nandala Mafabi: “People want to see FDC dead, but it won’t happen”’, Nile Post, 10.07.2020).

Today we are seeing a deflection of someone who has moved parties a lot of late. He was an Member of Parliament, on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket at Jinja East. Alas, right now his without office and lacks the support he needs to return to the August House.

That’s why his shifting the parties. Even if he has been a loyal man to Gen. Mugisha Muntu. He was a part of the “New Formation” and later the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). As the ANT went ahead for the 2021 elections, it wasn’t ready or had the popular narrative to get MPs elected. Mwiru went from a being to a former MP.

Mwiru wants a new dawn now and crosses to the biggest opposition party. It means his living his former ally and friend Muntu. He has spoken of relying on Muntu, but that is currently out of the picture.

Now Mwiru needs a new leader and new party to have a chance to return. He doesn’t want to be former MP but be an actual MP. That’s why his deflecting from ANT to NUP. ANT should feel the pain of this. His one of the big leaders that was part of the party from the onset. That’s why Mwiru was a part of the “New Formation”.

It seems like Mafabi will be right in the end that Mwiru will continue to deflect and change parties until his death. After leaving the FDC he will struggle to find a permanent home. He will be one of these politicians that seeks the best way to get back in office. The man won’t mind the party or the ideologies behind it. As long as he gets something in return. That’s why his joining the NUP now.

Mwiru isn’t joining NUP as a direct response to the way it wants to stop the dictatorship. Neither is it for his admiration of Bobi Wine or any of the leaders of the NUP party. No, his joining to get a safer journey ahead of the 2026 elections.

It is like Mwiru see the troublesome times ahead and knows the ANT party isn’t well established. His friend Muntu won’t give him enough edge or ability to return to Parliament. That’s why his ditching Muntu and ANT. He just seeking a soft return and leaving without much of a trace.

Mwiru did more in the FDC and has been less vocal as an ANT. That is what happens I suppose and you don’t get the spotlight as easy when your outside of office.

Paul Mwiru has to prove himself now. I hope the NUP think things through too. Not just accept anyone. As we are seeing how MPs are fleeing and joining MK Movement. That should be a sign that there are others who only uses the party and ditches it easily when the buck stops.

Time will tell… but I doubt this is the last party Mwiru will be a part of… Peace.