Kyagulanyi urges voters to prioritize his message over popstar fame

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has urged Ugandans not to be carried away by his celebrity background as a musician but to focus on his message of transforming the country.

“Do not support Bobi Wine because you like my songs, but because of the ideas I am bringing for a new Uganda,” he said.

Kyagulanyi said his campaign was rooted in justice, transparency, and equal access to national resources, adding that Uganda needed leadership focused on service, not self-enrichment like it is the case now for those in leadership. He urged voters to turn out in large numbers to vote for change in 2026.

The musician-turned-politician was campaigning in Busia on Friday, as he concluded his tour of Bukedi and part of Bugisu in his bid to become Uganda’s next president.

Kyagulanyi’s music career began in the early 2000s and has spanned multiple genres, including reggae, dancehall, and afrobeat. He has released more than 70 songs, including popular singles such as “Akagoma,” “Funtala,” and “Sunda.” He led the band Fire Base Crew until it disbanded in 2007 and later formed the Ghetto Republic of Uganda.

“Make sure these numbers turn into victory. You must all come out and vote. Spread the message so more people know about our manifesto,” urged Kyagulanyi, who dedicated an entire day on Friday to campaign in Busia.

This was a departure from his usual campaign routine of visiting two districts per day. Over the past three weeks, he has visited 25 districts across the region.

“Don’t fight for Bobi Wine, fight for Kyagulanyi, who has an important message for the destiny of this country. I know many of you have never seen any other president in 40 years,” he said, criticising President Museveni for failing to address challenges such as declining public services and corruption.

“Every 12 months, Uganda loses 10 trillion shillings. That means over the last five years, we have lost 50 trillion shillings.”

Kyagulanyi said this loss of revenue has meant that investments in key services, especially education, roads, and healthcare, have not kept pace with the growing population of Uganda.

“I want you to understand that you have the power in that vote. Together, we can change the destiny of this country. In a new Uganda, everyone will be equal. All you have to do is give me and our flag bearers a chance to turn this country upside down, so those who want to be your bosses become your servants.”