Kimanya-Kabonera MP Dr. Abed Bwanika recently accused Bobi Wine, the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), of being a ‘dictator’ who fears internal democracy and competition within his party.
Bwanika claimed that decisions on party flag bearers are made arbitrarily by Bobi Wine, often in private settings like his bedroom at Magere, with significant influence from his wife, Barbie Itungo.
Bwanika acknowledged that although the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been in power for over 40 years and faces many grievances from Ugandans, it is far more democratic in practice than NUP. He argued that President Museveni’s party genuinely empowers ordinary members by allowing grassroots participation in choosing flag bearers.
He dismissed NUP’s alleged vetting process for the 2026 flag bearers as a mere façade, stating that these decisions are largely dictated by Bobi Wine, his wife, and a small group of close associates. According to Bwanika, Barbie Itungo wields more power within NUP than even the party’s Deputy President, Muwanga Kivumbi, or any other officials.
In contrast, Bwanika praised NRM’s efforts to handle election disputes through established tribunals, highlighting this as evidence of better organization and internal democracy. He urged Bobi Wine to learn from NRM’s approach and be more inclusive.
“Despite its flaws, NRM has demonstrated a clear commitment to democratic, inclusive, and transparent processes in selecting flag bearers,” Bwanika said. He warned that by denying ordinary party members the right to choose their flag bearers, Bobi Wine risks alienating disgruntled losers who may eventually revolt and demand accountability.
Bwanika predicted potential turmoil within NUP, cautioning that when aggrieved candidates take matters into their own hands, Bobi Wine alone will be to blame.
He advocated for decentralizing candidate selection, saying, “It is better for leaders to emerge organically from the communities they seek to represent rather than having decisions made behind closed doors at Magere.”
The MP further argued that Bobi Wine’s fear of internal elections could signal authoritarian tendencies should he ever assume the presidency. “If he is dictatorial and intolerant enough to block elections within his own party, what will stop him from banning national elections under the pretext of protecting Uganda from foreign interference?” Bwanika questioned during a radio panel discussion with fellow MPs Mpindi Bumali (NRM) and Abdullah Kiwanuka (NUP).
Critics continue to challenge Bobi Wine over his refusal to hold internal party elections, casting doubt on NUP’s ability to promote genuine democracy nationally when it fails to practice it internally.
Bwanika also criticized some NUP members, such as Betty Nambooze, who previously opposed similar governance issues in other parties but now remain silent, allegedly out of fear of reprisals or to curry favor with party leadership.
