Uganda's Kyagulanyi 'Bobi Wine' blazes his trail on quest to unseat Museveni's 35-year rule

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Uganda's Kyagulanyi 'Bobi Wine' blazes his trail on quest to unseat Museveni's 35-year rule

kyagulany sentamu robert

Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert--Courtesy photo: Facebook

by Joseph Earnest, November 15, 2020

Updated November 27, 2020

Updated December 3, 2020

Updated January 11, 2021

Covering the campaign trail live, are the following media outlets:

Bobi Wine

Ghetto Media

Uganda Empya

Ekyooto International

Ssegirinya Muhammad Mr. Updates

Newscast Media KAMPALA, Uganda—The stakes are high. The lines have been drawn. Uganda's Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert, fondly known as Bobi Wine, with his indefatigable determination, has cast the die with the intent of unseating incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

No one could have imagined that this musician by profession would embark on such an undertaking in a police state like Uganda, whose security organs have earned a reputation of oppressing their own citizens who challenge the ruling party. Indeed Kyagulanyi has put his life on the line, and was almost killed in August 2018 while visiting the northern town of Arua, after having been assaulted by Uganda's security forces.

There were several obstacles Bobi Wine had to overcome after he declared his presidential bid on July 24, 2020. "On behalf of the people of Uganda, I am challenging you to free and fair elections," Kyagulani stated, referring to the current president, who has been in power since 1986.

"President Museveni and his praise singers dismissed us as inconsequential. The people pf Uganda continue to prove them wrong," Bobi Wine said.

At the time, he did not have a political party but was the leader of the "People Power" movement. This is a grassroots movement, the majority of which is made up of youth from different walks of life. Some are from the ghetto, slums, villages—and city dwellers are also included in it. The greatest dissatisfaction Ugandans have is the youth unemployment which is one of the highest in the world.

Currently Bobi Wine is on the campaign trail in northern Uganda and he said he was struck by the poverty level in Karamoja, which is one of the richest parts of Uganda in terms of minerals such as gold and marble. According to the US Department of Justice, children from the Karamoja region are trafficked and also migrate to Kampala where they engage in begging, street vending, domestic work, and commercial sexual exploitation.

Despite the poverty they are facing, the great reception Bobi Wine received in Lira on November 12, 2020, is perhaps the greatest gathering of people in the north seeking change, since the formation of the failed British experiment called Uganda. Not even live bullets or tear gas could disperse the crowd.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Lira welcome Bobi Wine as they chant his name

On July 22, 2020, when Bobi Wine launched his political party called the National Unity Platform NUP, he became a serious contender and Museveni's biggest threat. Museveni had never faced a true opposition movement since 1986. The Democartic Party DP, Uganda People's Congress UPC, Forum for Democratic Change FDC and other smaller parties were simply proxies for the the state, to give the false impression that Museveni had an opposition.

Enter Kyagulanyi, July 2020. He faced intimidation and was even taken to court, on the premise that his NUP party was illegally acquired. One politician went as far as stating the party's color "red" infringed on another party's copyrights. Absurd! The US Republican Party's color is Red, should one say that Republicans are violating copyrights because they use red?

However, Museveni was not done with Kyagulanyi yet. On October 14, 2020 state operatives raided Bobi Wine's party headquarters. Wine was lucky to escape because he had "spotters" who tipped him off while he was meeting his fellow youth. He famously said, "Nze kati nebwentema," meaning, "I think I can now vamoose."

A week later, on October 21, 2020, Bobi Wine enjoyed a court victory from the lawsuit that accused him of illegally acquiring the National Unity Platform. In his ruling, Justice Musa Sekaana dismissed the suit against Bobi Wine, including costs, and said,"This court declines to entertain the application since it was not brought under any known procedure and secondly it was made to avoid the time limit of 3 months within which an application for judicial review should have been brought. The judicial review guidelines or rules equally provide for locus stand and this would have been the threshold before the applicants would seek to challenge actions of a party. It is an abuse of court process.”

On November 3, 2020, Bobi Wine was formally nomitated as the flagbearer of NUP party, and challenger to Museveni's regime. Shortly after his nomination, he once again was arrested by state operatives, and was beaten in front of his wife, for challenging Museveni.

bobi wine

Robert Kyagulanyi being beaten in front of his wife--Courtesy photo: Facebook

The act of beating a man in front of his wife was taken from the playbook of slavery. Here, male Black slaves were stripped and flogged before their wives, sisters and daughters. The psychological impact that it has had on Black families in America is that the majority of Black American women secretly hate and despise Black men, because slavery portrayed the men as deplorable. This has resulted into an epidemic of broken homes in Black communities. Some have referred to this condition as Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.

Black men being publicly beaten in front of their wives, sisters and daughters to psychologically instill resentment of Black women toward Black men. Flogging the Negro; from an abolitionist book which gives a detailed description of the scene illustrated here ( pp. 206-8). The public whipping took place in Lexington, Missouri in Feb. 1856. This illustration appears to be a composite of several illustrations that appear earlier in Henry Bibb, Narrative of the Life and Adventures of . . . an American Slave (New York, 1849), pp. 106, 133.

Covering the campaign trail live, are the following media outlets:

Bobi Wine

Ghetto Media

Uganda Empya

Ekyooto International

Ssegirinya Muhammad Mr. Updates

On November 7, 2020, Bobi Wine launched his manifesto in Mbarara, a city in western Uganda and announced that his campaign trail would commence from the city of Arua which was the birthplace of the People Power movement. You may download Bobi Wine's entire manifesto here:

Wine has since traversed the northern region as follows:

Nov 10, 2020: journey to Arua began via Pacwach and Nebbi. Wine entered Arua in a heavy downpour of rain, which symbolized to them blessings from above.
Nov 11, 2020: Bobi Wine and company entered Kitgum at 3:00 am, then proceeded to Pader and ended in Gulu.

Nov. 12, 2020: Wine left for Kamdini, Oyam, Apac, then the famous reception of the people of Lira occurred.
Nov. 13, 2020: Kyagulanyi headed to Kaabong in Karamoja, Kotido and Moroto, where Bobi Wine and crew were under siege by police. These townships are in the nation-state called Karamoja.
Nov. 14, 2020: Kyagulanyi disembarked from the vehicle and jogged through Amuria town, went to Soroti and addressed a mammoth crowd, which is in the nation-state of Teso.
Nov. 15 2020: Mr and Mrs. Wine started the day in prayer at St. Patrick Madera Catholic Church in Soroti. Wine headed for Kumi, Sironko(where he was blocked from addressing his people), and entered Mbale town where police teargassed him for giving Ugandans hope.

============CAMPAIGN TRAIL UPDATE===========

Nov. 16, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned in Mayuge, then under heavy police intimidation, Wine and staff entered Iganga in Busoga. The last rally of the day was in Bugiri.
Nov. 17, 2020: The Wine train will campaign in Butalejja, Tororo, then Busia.
Nov. 18, 2020: The campaign trail will proceed to Luuka, Buyende, then Kamuli.*(Bobi Wine was arrested while campaigning at Luuka. After intense riots, Wine was freed on Nov.20 on a non-cash bond in Kamuli court)
Nov. 23, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned in Kyegegwa, Kyejojono and Fort Portal in the Tooro sub-region
Nov. 24, 2020: The campaign trail commenced to Bundibugyo, Bunyangabo and Kasese district.
Nov. 25, 2020: The People Power campaign was taken to Kigadi, Kibaale and eventaully Hoima City. In Hoima, Kyagulanyi's hotel was surrounded by Museveni's unprofessional soldiers in an effort to indtimidate Wine. Bobi Wine said, "In Hoima, after the military and police blocked us, they trailed us to the hotel to the hotel at which we plan to spend the night. Heavily armed military personnel have surrounded the hotel. Some are moving in a numberless (plateless) military van. Some operatives are non-uniformed, yet armed. They've assaulted journalists and chased them away from the hotel. Pray for Uganda! Work for a new Uganda."
Nov 26, 2020: Wine headed for Buliisa, Masindi (where he was blocked from addressing the people), and finally held a massive rally in Kiryandongo.Once again, Wine was prevented by the police from sleeping in a hotel in Mijeera. Wine spent the night sleeping in his car, while journalists slept on the ground as an act of solidarity with Bobi Wine.
Nov 27, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned in Kyankwanzi, Kiboga and Kasanda. Mrs. Wine (Barbie Kyagulanyi) made surprise appearances on the campaign trail and spoke to National Unity Platform supporters.

Mr and Mrs Kyagulanyi--Courtesy photo: Facebook

Nov. 28, 2020: Bobi Wine's biggest rallies to date were in Nakasongola, Luweero and Nakaseke. These areas are referred to as the "Mecca" of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, the welcome Kyagulanyi received, left no question that he owns the countryside.
Nov. 30, 2020: The campaign trail continued to Mukono, particularly to: Nakifuma, Buikwe and Lugazi. All attendances were humongous, despite the live bullets and teargas used to intimidate people. Mukono was really a labor of love. Nothing could extinguish the love people showed to Bobi Wine, as the crowds congregated to hear Wine's speeches.
Dec 1, 2020: Bobi Wine had to halt campaigning in ~~Kayunga, Jinja and Kamuli,~~ due an assassination attempt by the state, that he narrowly escaped.
Dec 2, 2020: Bobi Wine presented evidence to the Uganda Electoral Commission showing misconduct by the state, and held a press conference.
Dec 3, 2020: Bobi Wine continued with successful campaign trail to the Eastern region and made stops at Kibuku, Budaka and Manafwa.
Dec 4, 2020: Bobi Wine's campaign took him to Budada, Kapchorwa and Kween. Wine wore a bullet-proof vest because he distrusts Museveni's intentions. While on the campaign trail the heard of death of one of his friend Sheikh Noah Muzaata, who had died under suspicious circumstances.
Dec 5, 2020: Wine paused his campaign so he could pay tribute to his fallen comrade Noah Muzaata Batte at a burial ceremony.
Dec 6, 2020: Bobi Wine continued his trail to the infamous area of Luuka (where Museveni arrested him on Nov 18, 2020), and Kamuli, were he was eagerly awaited by tremendous crowds. His trip to ~~Jinja~~ was blocked by the military.
Dec 7, 2020: The trail took Kyagulanyi back to northern Uganda in the townships of Zombo, Madi-Okollo and Terego. Wine attempted to proceed late in the evening to Arua but was prevented by the usual suspects.
Dec 8, 2020: Bobi Wine had perhaps the most peaceful campaigns today, from Maracha, to Koboko and finally to Yumbe. The Koboko crowd exceeded Wine's expectations and by far has been the largest in Northern Uganda to date.

Dec 9, 2020: Bobi Wine traveled to Obongi, Moyo (to an overflowing audience) and arrived late in the evening at Adjumani, where electricity was cut off.
Dec 10, 2020: This was one of Bobi Wine's toughest days in which the state harrassed and taunted him. His campaign trail took him to Amuru,then briefly to Legu, Omoro, then he was prevented from completing the final destination at Nwoya in Acholi district.
Dec 11, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned at Kole, however his campaigns in Alebtong and Otuke were met with resistance from state operatives. There was a 10-hour standoff between battallions of troops and Uganda's most feared man Bobi Wine in Lira. Eventually Wine was kidnapped and held hostage by the unprofessional security operatives. After a local and global outcry, the state released its hostage Kyagulanyi in the morning, to continue on the campaign trail.
Dec 12, 2020: The campaign trail continued to Lamwo, Kitgum andKarenga in Karamoja region.

Covering the campaign trail live, are the following media outlets:

Bobi Wine

Ghetto Media

Uganda Empya

Ekyooto International

Ssegirinya Muhammad Mr. Updates

Dec 13, 2020: Bobi Wine started the day with a Sunday morning holy mass at Kalongo Parish in Agago district. Bobi Wine addressed the people at Agago, Abim and Kapelabyong, thereafter he continued to Buganda down south.
Dec 14, 2020: This was day of rest for the National Unity Platform entourage.
December 15, 2020: Bobi Wine checked in at the Electoral Commission then commenced to western Uganda on his campaign trail to Ibanda.

Mr. and Mrs. Wine having the time of their life on the campaign trail. (-Facebook courtesy photo)

December 16, 2020: Bobi Wine was joined by the First Lady Barbie on the trail to Kisoro Rubanda, Rukiga and finally Kabale.

Bobi Wine and the First Lady Barbie Wine cheering the crowd on. (Facebook courtesy photo).

December 17, 2020: Bobi and Barbie Wine continued together on the trail to Kanungu, Rukungiri and ended the day in Mitooma.

The Wines in Rukingiri, Uganda (--Facebook courtesy photo).

Dec. 18, 2020: Bobi Wine and wife traveled in western Uganda in the areas of Rwampara, where his car tires were shot with live bullets by Museveni's men. The Wines then proceeded to Ntugamo, and their final rally in Isingiro was blocked by the police, out of fear that more people would love Bobi Wine.

Dec 19, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned from a distance in Sheema after police prevented his supporters to the rally. Wine then campaigned inBushenyi and finally Rubirizi.

Dec 20, 2020: Bobi and Barbie Wine started the day off the day at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Nyamitanga. Wine continued to campaign in western Uganda particularly around Mbarara city.

Dec 21, 2020: The Christmas week began with the Wine trail atKiruhura, Kitagwenda and then a brave recption in Ibanda where police attempted to intimidate attendees. Wine's supporters showed him love by showering him with money to pay for his travel expenses.

Dec 22, 2020: Bobi Wine briefly campaigned in Kamwenge, and was prevented from campaigning in Kikube, but he used loud speaker to talk to the people while doing a drive-thru in town. He later proceeded toKakumiro where Musevenis soldiers started behaving in their normal uncivilized manner. Kyagulanyi spoke on a microphone as his truck drove through the town and told people not to be afraid of the cowardly soldiers who fire teargass into people. If Bobi Wine gets his wish, these rogue soldiers and policemen will be out of work by mid-January.

Dec 23, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned in Buganda the Central region, inMubende, Mityana and found difficulties in Butambala.

Dec 24, 2020: This was a special day for Kyagulanyi Sentamu. He campaigned in his hometown of Gomba, where he paid respect to his ancestors, and also attempted to campaign in Sembabule, with a lot of resistance from Museveni's soldiers.

Dec 25, 2020: Kyagulanyi and his family kicked off Christmas mass at St. James Rugarama Church in Ntungamo District which is his wife's birthpalce. He then showcased a concert for his entire crew at his in-laws.

Dec 26, 2020: Wine continued his campaign in Lyantonde, Rakai, and was hindered by Museveni from holding campaigns in Kyotera.

Afraid that Bobi Wine has gained popularity nationwide the regime announced that no more campaigning was allowed due to Covid-19.

Dec 27, 2020: This was a tragic day for Bobi Wine, as he lost his bodyguard Francis Ssenteza to Museveni's military, after they ran over him, and reversed the military vehicle to make sure they murdered him "properly". Another one of Bobi Wine's journalistic crew Ashraf Kasirye is still fighting for his life after he too was shot at by state operatives.

Dec 28, 2020: Bobi Wine attended the funeral of his slain bodyguard,Frank Senteza.

Dec 29, 2020: Bobi Wine attended the funeral of his slain bodyguard,Frank Senteza

Dec. 30, 2020: Bobi Wine campaigned on the island of Kalangala in Lake Victoria, where he and 95 members of his team were illegally arrested and imprisoned under the orders of Dictator Museveni. After a public outcry, Wine was released but his crew members are still in prison in Masaka being tortured for supporting the presidential candidate.

Dec. 31, 2020: Bobi Wine successfully campaigned in Bukomansimbiand Mpigi on the eve of the new year.

Jan. 1, 2021: Mr. Kyagulanyi attended mass at Rubaga Catholic Churchto kick off the new year.

Jan. 2, 2021: Bobi Wine gave his State of the Nation address in which he talked about the torture and kidnapping of his supporters who are still detained by Museveni for supporting Robert Kyagulanyi.

Jan 3, 2021: Bobi Wine attended a church service at Omega Healing Center, and returned to his esate in Magere.

Jan 4, 2021: Bobi Wine held a press conference at the National Unity Party headquarters in Kamwokya, where he addressed the unfairness of the Electoral Commission. Museveni is allowed to campaign while Bobi Wine's campaigns were illegally stopped. Wine also did a television interview with BBS TV and addressed similar foul play by the Electoral Commison.

Jan 5, 2021: Bobi Wine hosted Simba FM 97.3, and talked about his manifesto. While Wine was hosting the radio station, he said he would soon announce the continuation of his campaign. (Hosted because at this point in the game the radio station profits from Wine in terms of listenership).

Jan 6, 2021: Bobi Wine continued to be persecuted by the state on his way to Namisindwa where he was gifted a new pick-up truck by Mr. Steven Nyuruki to help him after state operative impounded his campaign vehicles.

Jan 7, 2021: Bobi Wine campaigned in Mbale and Namayingo in the eastern part of the nation. Wine also file a complaint at the ICC against Museveni.

Jan 8, 2021: Bobi Wine made an appearance on Pearl FM Uganda and talked about his plans for the new Uganda.

Jan 9, 2021: This was a special day for Bobi Wine. He spent it in his recording studio.

Jan 10, 2021: Bobi Wine did an interview with NBS morning breeze and also prayed at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Namungoona, Kampala.

Jan 11, 2021: Today seemed like a day off for Bobi Wine, even though behind the scenes he was working to free his friends Nubian Li, Eddie Mutwe and about 95 others, who were kidnapped by Museveni's adminstration.

Jan 14, 2021: This was election day. After Bobi Wine voted, he was placed under house arrest.

Jan 16, 2021: EC and media houses were compelled to declare Museveni winner.

Jan 25, 2021: Judge orders the release of Bobi Wine.

Feb 1, 2021: A petition was filed in court to challenge election results. Bobi Wine believed the election was rigged in favor of Museveni.

Feb 4, 2021: Bobi Wine host the European Union delegation at his home.

Covering the campaign trail live, are the following media outlets:

Bobi Wine

Ghetto Media

Uganda Empya

Ekyooto International

Ssegirinya Muhammad Mr. Updates

Below is an infographic of Kyagulanyi's northern campaign trail as he heads to the east then central region in the week of November 16, 2020.