As the campaign continues in Uganda’s eastern region, National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, made a forceful stop in Butebo and Budaka yesterday, renewing his commitment to fighting corruption, improving infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in governance.
He addressed energetic crowds in both districts, offering a mix of policy promises, moral appeals, and local assurances, a messaging blend aimed at converting popular enthusiasm into votes.
Voices from the Ground & From the Stage
In his Facebook post after the rallies, Bobi Wine thanked the people of Butebo and Budaka for welcoming his team, urging them to “tell the narrative of change” in the Bukedi sub-region, which he said has long been an NRM stronghold but is shifting.
During the rally, he repeatedly invoked the theme of corruption. On one platform, he declared:
“This is a battle against corruption, debt, and injustice. No more will the people’s resources be stolen while roads rot and services fail.”
Elsewhere, he specifically named the coffee sector as one industry he intends to revive, saying that in many rural areas, farmers have been denied value for their produce due to corrupt middlemen and systemic inefficiencies. He also warned that corruption is not partisan, whether from the ruling party or the opposition; he will hold everyone accountable.
These quotes bolster his narrative of being a disruptor, not just of the ruling establishment, but of politics as usual.
Policy Promises & Local Commitments
In both Butebo and Budaka, Bobi Wine pledged an aggressive infrastructure push, especially for rural roads. He described roads as the “arteries” linking farms to markets, health centres to patients, and children to schools. He promised systematic maintenance, upgrading of feeder routes, and transparent procurement in all public contracts.
His centerpiece was institutional reform, promising to strengthen the Auditor General’s office, anti-corruption bodies, and the judiciary. He pledged that no public official, regardless of rank, would be immune from audit or investigation, and called upon citizens to actively monitor local projects to ensure accountability.
Bobi Wine also spoke about revitalizing neglected public services such as health, education, water, and sanitation, saying that quality service delivery must go hand in hand with transparency. Understanding that his strongest support comes from young people, he further pledged to open opportunities in local government, agriculture, and small business, and encouraged grassroots leaders to act as “watchdogs” in their communities.
Background & Strategic Context
Bobi Wine’s campaign in Butebo and Budaka forms part of a broader eastern Uganda swing intended to penetrate NRM strongholds and galvanize support in peripheral regions. The Bukedi area has historically been dominated by ruling party politics, but reports show rising expectations among voters for leaders who deliver on infrastructure, service delivery, and accountability.
His rhetorical framing of corruption, infrastructure, and accountability — fits into what he has styled elsewhere as a “rebirth” agenda for Uganda. He has long positioned his movement, “People Power,” as the political alternative to entrenched patronage systems.
However, the campaign remains fraught with challenges. Converting large rally attendance into disciplined voter turnout requires solid ground orchestration, local data, and long-term follow-through. In parts of Eastern Uganda, security, local gatekeepers, and political dynamics may constrain his reach. Moreover, voters will demand visible early action; failure to deliver even an initial promise may erode confidence.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign moves forward, observers will be watching how Bobi Wine’s team translates his promises into action plans, particularly around road rehabilitation, cost estimates, and procurement safeguards. The rallies also highlighted the role of civic education in the region, with Opposition Chief Whip and NUP Vice President for Eastern Uganda, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, using part of his engagement time to educate voters about their rights and the importance of registration and verification, a move that reinforced NUP’s message of empowerment and informed participation.
Community leaders and ordinary residents, meanwhile, continue to weigh the promises against their daily realities, particularly concerning roads, access to healthcare, and education. Political opponents, including NRM mobilizers, are expected to counter Bobi Wine’s pledges with their own development messages, making the East a closely watched battleground ahead of 2026. Ultimately, whether Bobi Wine’s appeal translates into votes will depend on how effectively his movement sustains its grassroots machinery and ensures that the enthusiasm witnessed in Butebo and Budaka turns into actual ballots.
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