Bobi Wine, Notorious Land-Grabber Face Off in Kayunga

A seemingly normal burial ceremony turned into a politically charged encounter when Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), confronted Moses Karangwa, a well-known businessman and NRM stalwart, during his remarks at the funeral of Nsanja Patrick’s father. The event, held in Kayunga District, was attended by a significant number of politicians from both the ruling NRM party and the opposition, as well as local citizens.

The ceremony began on a somber note, with attendees gathered to pay their respects to the late father of Nsanja Patrick, the Member of Parliament for Ntenjeru South, Mzee Ssebuliba James. However, the mood shifted when Bobi Wine was handed the microphone to give his remarks.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, began by thanking God for granting him the opportunity to meet Karangwa in person for the first time. This statement initially seemed to please Karangwa, who stood up to acknowledge the gesture. However, the tone quickly changed as Bobi Wine, known for his fearless and outspoken nature, began to speak ironically about Karangwa’s reputation.

“I have all along been hearing about you and all the things you do,” Bobi Wine remarked. The comment, though cloaked in praise, was a clear jab at Karangwa’s alleged involvement in numerous land-grabbing cases that have left many families in Kayunga and other parts of Uganda devastated.

Moses Karangwa is a well-known figure in Kayunga District, where he has built a reputation that many describe as notorious. Over the years, he has been accused of using his influence and connections within the ruling party to acquire land unlawfully, often at the expense of local communities. Many families have reportedly been forcefully evicted from their land, sometimes with little or no compensation, leading to widespread anger and resentment in the region.

Despite the heavy allegations against him, Karangwa has largely remained untouchable, with many local leaders and residents fearful of speaking out against him due to his powerful connections. However, Bobi Wine’s public condemnation of Karangwa at such a high-profile event is likely to embolden those who have long suffered in silence.

The incident left Karangwa visibly uncomfortable, but with the microphone in Bobi Wine’s hands, he had no opportunity to respond. The exchange is expected to heighten tensions between the NUP and NRM in the district, especially as Bobi Wine continues to use his platform to challenge figures within the ruling establishment.

As the funeral proceeded, the atmosphere remained tense, with attendees whispering about the daring remarks. For many, Bobi Wine’s comments were a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues of corruption and abuse of power that continue to plague the country, particularly in rural areas where the influence of powerful individuals often goes unchecked.

The funeral, which was intended to be a moment of mourning and reflection, instead became a battleground for political discourse, with Bobi Wine once again positioning himself as the voice of the oppressed, unafraid to confront those who wield power unjustly