Ugandans at home and abroad have been left stunned after learning that opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, is set to headline a major music festival in the United Kingdom later this year.
Dubbed the UG Festival 2025, the event—slated for London—has a star-studded lineup including Nubian Li, Lord Fred Sebatta, Betty Mpologoma, Ssuuna Ben, Princess Tiffah, Maddox Ssemanda Sematimba, and comedy acts like Mc Mariachi. Ticket prices range from £10 for children, £25 standard, £50 VIP, £250 for a table of 5, to a whopping £500 for a table of 10.
While the festival promises music, comedy, and Ugandan culture in the diaspora, the timing has sparked debate. Many supporters and critics alike question why Bobi Wine would focus on an overseas concert when Uganda is in the heat of pre-election campaigns, with President Museveni actively holding rallies across the country.
Some speculate that the event might double as a fundraiser for his political activities, especially given the premium ticket packages. However, others view it as a misstep—arguing that the optics of performing abroad while his political rival mobilizes on the ground could weaken his message of urgent political change.
“This is not the time for concerts,” one frustrated supporter wrote online. “We are struggling here, and Museveni is consolidating his power. Bobi should be with the people, not entertaining the UK crowd.”
Still, there are those defending the move, saying the diaspora plays a crucial role in funding and amplifying the opposition struggle. They argue that reaching out to Ugandans abroad is part of a broader political strategy.
As the date draws closer, it remains to be seen whether this UK festival will bolster Bobi Wine’s campaign war chest—or cost him political ground at a critical moment in Uganda’s fight for change.
