- Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, used the presidential debate to clarify his earlier remarks where he described himself as a rebel
- He opposed the conduct of the Ugandan security forces and accused Yoweri Museveni’s government of protecting corrupt officials
- Kyagulanyi outlined his plans for the creative sector, job creation and reforms in the army and police
Presidential candidate of Uganda Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has admitted that he is a rebel.
Source: Facebook
The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party arrived before the presidential debate organized on Sunday, November 30.
Eight candidates, including incumbent Yoweri Museveni, have expressed their intention to run for the country’s highest seat before the January 2026 elections.
Speaking during the debate, Kyagulanyi outlined his intentions for Uganda, and explained how he plans to oust the 81-year-old Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
But first, he had to explain his earlier remarks, which seemed to imply that he is part of the rebel group.
Is Bobi Wine a rebel?
Kyagulanyi defended the remarks, explaining what distinguishes him from other rebels.
“Yes, I said that. I have said it many times. I even said it here now. I am a rebel. But I am a legal rebel. You have seen the president of the Uganda Bar Association calling himself a legal rebel. I am a legal rebel. I am like Museveni of the 1980s, except that we are not violent, we are within the law. That is the difference,” he said.
Such statements have sometimes put Kyagulanyi on the wrong side of the police, who are often recorded attacking and brutally injuring his supporters.
Kyagulanyi noted that the Constitution of Uganda requires the military to be independent of any party, to have a national character, and to be under civilian authority.
He regretted that the law is nothing more than a paper on which it is written, while the army does the opposite.
“The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has been reduced to an instrument of oppression. It has been said before, that there are no bad soldiers, there are only bad commanders. And that statement is true for the UPDF. Appointments there are made based on relationships, and sadly, based on DNA. You have seen military officers come forward to make political statements, and nothing happens,” he complained.
Robert Kyagulanyi’s plan for army, police
During the debate, Kyagulanyi said that when he comes to power, he will ensure that the men and women in uniform, the police and the army, are well paid and strict moral codes are implemented to ensure that they respect the people of Uganda.
Furthermore, he promised that unlike Museveni, he would never use the army or the police to settle political results once he took power.
“Even though I am the president, I will never use the army or the police to play politics,” he said.
On the widespread issue of corruption, Kyagulanyi promised to lead by example, so that he could be emulated by his ministers down to junior government officials.
He vowed to ensure that anyone who “puts his hands on public money” will not receive the hand, but the neck will also perish.
He accused Museveni of being the “high priest of corruption”, noting that all government officials who are being investigated for corruption-related issues often hide behind him.
How Bobi Wine will create 10 million jobs
The former musician also expressed dissatisfaction with the way Museveni’s administration is handling the creative industry.
“I come from the creative industry, and I know how strong that industry is. But as we speak right now, I am an artist, but without citing any law, I was banned from doing my work,” he complained.
He listed other top Ugandan artistes who have been barred from performing under mysterious circumstances, warning that the introduction is depriving them of thousands of jobs.
He claimed that Museveni’s administration no longer cares about the sector, despite the innovative economy that previously took Uganda to international prominence.
In his vision of a new Uganda, Kyagulanyi said he plans to create 10 million jobs using the tourism sector, the manufacturing sector and the creative industry.
It is surprising that Museveni did not participate in the debate, with his party spokesperson saying he prefers direct engagement with voters through organized campaign activities.
The party stressed that Museveni’s track record and ongoing national tours provide sufficient clarity about his vision for the country.
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