By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
“It’s undeniable that the NRM has had some achievements during its time in power. However, the longer they’ve stayed, the more they have eroded the few gains they once made,” Bobi Wine acknowledged.
As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) marks 39 years in power, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu commonly known as Bobi Wine has expressed sharp criticism of the ruling government while outlining his vision for Uganda’s future.
Appearing before NTV #Ebigambo Tebitta show on Saturday morning, Bobi Wine acknowledged that the NRM has made some achievements during its nearly four decades in power, but highlighted key issues including erosion of progress, gross violation of human rights due to government overstay in power.
“It’s undeniable that the NRM has had some achievements during its time in power. However, the longer they’ve stayed, the more they have eroded the few gains they once made,” Bobi Wine acknowledged.
The opposition leader accused the regime of using fear and intimidation as tools to maintain its grip on power, citing the undressed legacy of the NRA war.
“39 years after the NRM came to power, the skulls of those killed during the NRA war still lie exposed in some places. Their strategy is to instill fear and silence calls for better leadership. Instead of earning people’s respect through service delivery, they rely on fear to hold on to power,” he said.
Bobi Wine further criticized opposition negotiations with President Museveni, describing them as self-seeking and unproductive. Pointing out the Democratic Party President General, Nobert Mao whose appointment as Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister came after a discussion and signing of cooperation agreement with the government, Bobi Wine expressed skepticism about the intentions of some opposition politicians who he labeled as “Oh-position” for prioritizing personal positions over the collective struggle.
“Anyone negotiating with Mr. Museveni is at best, seeking personal gain, not advocating for the people. Just looka ta how Nobert Mao’s negotiations ended with a ministerial post. The only thing left to negotiate with Museveni is his retirement package,” he remarked.
“There are those in opposition, and others are in the ‘oh-position.’ Opposition are those who genuinely contest the regime, while the ‘oh-position’ category are after protecting their positions.Unity must be moral, principled and pro-people,” Bobi Wine expressed.
Responding to public criticism directed at him and the opposition, particularly in the light of arrests and continued persecution of opposition politicians, activists and human rights defenders, Bobi Wine acknowledged the pains of Ugandans, arguing them to remain focused on the broader struggle for liberation.
“Our people are frustrated, and often that frustration is directed to us. They blame me for the arrest of our supporters, even for Dr. Kizza Besigye’s incarceration. I urge them not lose sight of who the real enemy is. We must stand united in this struggle,” he said.
Additionally, the NUP leader criticized proposals put forward by the Democratic Alliance, arguing that they do not address critical issues such as the appointment of the electoral commission by the incumbent, and lack of presidential age and term limits. He doubted the success of these reforms citing the past efforts by parliament to push for electoral reforms that have been consistently rejected by the regime.
“Whoever wants to bring electoral reforms should start with proposals to bar the incumbent from appointing the Electoral Commission. There should also be an age limit on the presidency. Ugandans should know that they are their own hope,” he stated.
Despite his skepticism about reliability of elections under the current regime, Bobi Wine maintained that elections remain an important tool for mobilizing Ugandans and identifying good leaders.
“While elections may not yet bring the change we seek, they provide a platform for good leaders to serve our people. We must use the protest vote as a chance to charge the people for the greater struggle,” Bobi Wine explained citing out LoP Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi who h said his election as MP for Nakawa West in the 2021 general elections remains an example of positive outcomes.
He urged Ugandans not to lose hope in the power of their vote even though the electoral system remains flawed.
