Bwanika Endorses NUP’s Bobi Wine Ahead of 2026 Elections

Dr. Abed Bwanika, the Kimanya-Kabonera Member of Parliament, has openly endorsed Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, despite their past fallout and public altercations.Bwanika, seeking re-election, had bitterly split from NUP, resulting in the formation of the Democratic Front (DF), where he currently serves as party Treasurer. 

The leaders of the two formations have since been locked in disagreements, often marked by public exchanges and scornful remarks. However, on Monday, Bwanika rallied support for Kyagulanyi, urging the people of Masaka to vote for the NUP presidential candidate. 

Speaking at his campaign rally in Kyanjale Ward, Kimanya-Kabonera Division, Masaka City, Bwanika surprised the audience by softening his tone and calling for unity among opposition forces. He explained that his decision was based on Kyagulanyi’s conduct during his campaign in the area over the past weekend. 

“I listened to him attentively; he exhibited restraint by not abusing us (the Democratic Front-DF leaders). That is the level of maturity we have been looking for as change-seeking forces. It is high time we put aside our emotions for the broader aspiration of realising change,” Bwanika said.

He noted that since the DF did not field a presidential candidate, they could now throw their weight behind Kyagulanyi after he demonstrated maturity by stepping to reconcile other opposition actors.

Bwanika’s statement was met with applause from his supporters. Vincent Kasule Kasujja, the DF candidate for Masaka City Councilor for Kabonera Ward, said the endorsement will help calm tensions among NUP supporters in the area. He also urged NUP leaders to guide their supporters to desist from insulting DF leaders or perceiving them as enemies.

Denis Ssekyewa, another opposition supporter, said the cessation of hostilities among change-seeking forces will help galvanize support ahead of next year’s general elections. 

Juliet Kakande Nakabuye, Masaka City Woman MP seeking re-election on the DF ticket, urged opposition candidates to focus on promoting their agendas based on principles, rather than blackmailing rivals. She called on voters to challenge candidates on their leadership abilities.

A fortnight ago, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, MP for Butambala Constituency and NUP Deputy President for Buganda, criticized DF leaders during campaigns in Masaka, labeling them as traitors and detractors to the struggle for political transition.