📷 NUP presidential flag-bearer Bobi Wine champions peace, civic participation

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​National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, has challenged stereotypes about his movement, asserting that NUP members are not an "angry or violent group."

​Speaking to supporters at Bweyale town council in Kiryandongo District on October 24, 2025, Kyagulanyi emphasised that Uganda's vast young population is the country's greatest strength.

​“For a long time, they have said we are young, angry, reckless people,” Kyagulanyi said.

“But I want to tell you that we are not angry young people. We are smart, informed, educated, and connected young people who love our country and want to make it better.”

​The candidate, making his second presidential bid against incumbent Yoweri Museveni, urged the youth to reject these negative stereotypes and channel their energy into civic participation.

Kyagulanyi outlined a plan for peaceful change, focusing on the power of the vote and digital advocacy.

​“We are not here to cause chaos; we are here to rescue our nation from corruption, injustice and poverty,” he stated, encouraging supporters to use digital tools effectively. 

“You have TikTok, you have your phones: Use them to send the message of change. Teach your parents, your friends, your community that this election is about our future.”

He stressed the need for national unity, urging young Ugandans not to allow themselves to be divided by identity politics.

“This generation is tribeless and religionless,” he said. “We believe in the truth and in freedom for all Ugandans.”

​Pledging the 'New Uganda'

Kyagulanyi accused the ruling government of suppressing dissent and using state institutions to entrench power, but advised his followers to remain peaceful and hopeful.

“Museveni wants us to give up, but we will not,” he affirmed. “We will go out, we will vote, and we will guard our vote. This is our time: The time of a generation that refuses to be silenced.”

​He pledged to build a "New Uganda" where leaders serve citizens and economic opportunities are open to all.

“In the new Uganda, you will go to hospitals and find medicine,” he promised. “We will create jobs for Ugandans so that our people can live with dignity. This is our country — and we must enjoy it.”  

​Logistical challenges

​The rally was part of Kyagulanyi’s tour across the Bunyoro region, where his focus has been on youth empowerment, anti-corruption, and national unity.

Delays met the team at Masindi Port, where they faced logistical challenges crossing to Apac by ferry. 

Sam Gadunya, the officer in charge of security at the port, confirmed that the delays were due to a breakdown of one of the two ferries, limiting the remaining vessel's ability to transport the large team quickly.

​Voters’ concerns

​Adding a local perspective to the national race, Kiryandongo resident Daisy Orombi urged the next leader to address the severe water shortage in the area.

​“Currently, a jerrican goes for shillings 500 but it can go for as high as 1,000,” Orombi said. 

“Some people who have money dig deep wells, but those are the minority. We need to address this challenge because people are suffering. Water is life.”