Bobi Wine promises to shield cultural institutions from politics

Bobi Wine meets Buganda’s Prime Minister, pledging to protect Uganda’s cultural institutions from political interference and ensure their autonomy if elected president.

KAMPALA – National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, has pledged to protect Uganda’s cultural institutions, promising to ensure they operate independently and free from political interference.

Mr. Kyagulanyi made the commitment during a meeting with the Prime Minister (Katikkiro) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, at the kingdom’s seat in Bulange-Mengo, Kampala.

The NUP leader argued that cultural institutions, including the Buganda Kingdom, are fundamental to national identity and development, and vowed to strengthen their powers if elected president.

“It is our plan to strengthen the powers of Buganda, as well as those of other cultural institutions across the country,” Mr. Kyagulanyi stated. He suggested that some individuals have attempted to undermine the authority of the Kabaka (King) and weaken the bonds of the Buganda people.

Mr. Kyagulanyi, who attended the meeting as a member of the Mbogo clan, also sought the kingdom’s blessings for his presidential campaign.

He used the visit to condemn state violence and arrests targeting his supporters, actions he described as a threat to fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Uganda.

For his part, Katikkiro Mayiga stressed the need for strict adherence to the law and appealed to the government to guarantee peaceful elections, warning that unrest could escalate.

“I urge the Government to ensure peaceful elections without blitz, tear gas or canes. Violence breeds violence and can create a wave that engulfs everyone,” Mr. Mayiga said.

The Katikkiro also encouraged Uganda’s youth, including members of the NUP, to actively participate in politics, while urging them to approach leadership with maturity and respect for all stakeholders.

Mr. Kyagulanyi was accompanied by senior NUP officials, including Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Senyonyi.