It appears that the unity among opposition politicians, which has been emphasized since the emergence of multiparty politics in Uganda, is merely a theoretical phrase and an aspiration that is unlikely to materialize.
This is evident as the various factions seeking to overthrow the government often end up undermining each other, with the latest instance being the verbal clash between NUP supporters and the Kiiza Besigye camp.
There is no denying that Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, are two prominent figures in Uganda’s opposition. It is fair to assert that Besigye paved the way for Bobi Wine, who has consistently acknowledged the former FDC president as his motivation for entering politics.
Nevertheless, some tension has existed between their factions, largely fueled by their supporters, particularly on social media. With Besigye now incarcerated for over three months, the divisions are becoming more pronounced.
Remmy Bahati, a Ugandan journalist based in the US and a vocal critic of the regime, expressed her views on her X platform, accusing the opposition, especially NUP, of betrayal and hypocrisy regarding Dr. Besigye’s situation. She pointed out that Ugandan opposition politicians are preparing for the upcoming general election, which they have long denounced as a farce. Bahati remarked that they continue to rally their supporters while delivering speeches and posing for photos, even as one of their own, Kiiza Besigye, suffers in prison on unfounded military charges.
She claimed that the individual who devoted his entire life to promoting democracy, which these politicians now profess to champion, has been abandoned behind bars. Furthermore, she stated that had the tables been turned and they were imprisoned, Besigye would have been leading the charge for their liberation. However, due to their cowardice and self-interest, they are preoccupied with campaigning for an election they know is rigged.
Bahati questioned the absence of the outrage and solidarity they frequently advocate. She labeled these politicians as shameless for prioritizing their ambitions for the 2026 elections while ignoring a more significant cause that needs addressing right now. She concluded by asserting that the nation deserves better leaders who can provide guidance when it is essential, rather than mere pretenders.
This commentary, however, sparked a series of reactions from both NUP and Besigye supporters, leading to a back-and-forth exchange of accusations among them.
Replying to this post, a NUP foot soldier said that “U pipo are just hypocrites, nup has prisoners in that court that have faced that injustice for now almost 5yrs to an extent some accepted the crimes to be released it’s on kb were u pipo are drawing lines, concerned citizens mobilise the masses to storm the streets temutukoya.”
Estranged former Makerere University professor, Dr Stella Nyanzi a Dr KB stalwart said that “Thank you for writing these truths! You write for me, just as much as you write for yourself. Siturago ekaabya, mwana” in regards to Bahati’s submission.
Professor George William Kanyeihamba also commented about this issue saying that “Only a fool would fight to maintain their opposition position while ignoring the injustice against Besigye. We must learn to live together as brothers; otherwise, we will perish together as fools. I plan to visit this Munyakigezi in Luzira soon, Let’s stand together in solidality.”
Former leader of Opposition and the current Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Hon Mathias Mpuuga also commented about Besigye’s detention saying that “It is 3 months since
@kizzabesigye1
was kidnapped from Nairobi and has since been unjustly detained!
No one can discount KB’s contribution to the fight for freedom, justice, and equality in Uganda. Silence at a time when his rights are being violated is a sign of betrayal. Let’s demand for his freedom. #FreeBesigye.”
Apparently for now the back and forth exchange of words between NUP and the FDC Katonga faction seems to have taken over social media. It’s not clear when these little fights between the different opposition groups will ever stop as they seem to drag them backwards always.
