Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, is a prominent Ugandan politician, born and raised in Kamwookya slum in Uganda. The 38-year-old attended Makerere University, where he pursued music, dance, and drama and graduated with a diploma. As a young teenager, he had developed a liking for music, and because of this desire, he spent most of his childhood as a musician. Many Ugandans loved his songs, and it was not long before he became a celebrity.
How Did Bobi Wine become a Politician?
The reggae pop star had decided to change his life course when he shifted his focus to politics in 2017. He attributed this decision to his desire to redress the challenges he had seen Ugandans undergo. He considers this decision as a logical step mainly as he has been campaigning all his musical career. At the start of his political career, Bobi Wine won a by-election on an independent ticket and became a Parliament member for Kyaddondo East. Being a successful politician, he has been extending help to other candidates contesting against politicians from the ruling party NRM.
Is Bobi Wine Having Bad Blood with Museveni?
Amid his political career, Bobi Wine has battled unending confrontations. He says most of these attacks are steered by the incumbent President as a strategy to intimidate him. As Bobi Wine talks to BBC, there is a feeling of disappointment in his voice. He is saddened by how a prized revolutionary leader like Museveni could change the course of his journey to become one of the world’s most despised dictators.
Bobi Wine narrates how President Museveni rescued Uganda back in 1986 from the then authoritative leader. Mr. Robert remembers how President Museveni used to seek refuge at his home when he was only four years.
Memories aside, both Bobi Wine and Museveni are great competitors. Their rivalry degenerated when Bobi Wine announced in June 2019 that he was contesting for Presidential elections. The young politician complained of simultaneous disturbances during his campaigns. He says that it is not once but often that authorities in the region storm his movements and scatter supporters alleging they are defying COVID-19 rules.
Meanwhile, amid last-minute campaigns, Bobi Wine dresses in bulletproof vests. This is because, being Museveni’s primary opponent, he feels his life is in danger. In December, while campaigning, Bobi Wine stated that an anonymous shooter had fired at his vehicle. However, he luckily escaped. There have also been countless incidents where the singer ran into police and military blockades, teargas sprays, and even gunshots. As such, political campaigns have not been an easy task for Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine Supporters
Despite receiving intense hostility from the state, Bobi had managed to build a strong rapport with his supporters. In his hometown, large crowds hail his name, as they have restored all their hope in him. These groups are hoping that Bobi Wine would establish a new government. Moreover, some supporters also say that Bobi Wine understands them better than the current President as he can relate to their battling challenges. Therefore, Ugandans are hoping to elect the leader of their choice who truly deserves to rule.
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