In Uganda, where politics is as unpredictable as the next boda-boda fare hike, yet another political feud has erupted between two of the country’s most prominent figures. The melodrama between Bobi Wine, the self styled “ghetto president,” and his former ally Mathias Mpuuga, has taken a familiar turn. In a series of allegations, Mpuuga questioned Wine’s fitness to lead, while also offering his two cents on judicial matters in Uganda—a topic as confusing as a Kampala taxi park on a Monday morning.
If Uganda’s political scene were a local wedding, Bobi Wine and Mpuuga would be the uncles wrestling over who gets to make the final toast, each determined to outshine the other in front of the guests.
A Court Ruling that Sparks Debate
The latest commotion in Uganda’s political theater came from a High Court ruling about the much contested service award. In legal terms, the court’s ratio decidendi—the main reasoning behind its decision—focused on the distinction between facts and speculation. But try explaining that to a crowd in Owino Market! The court reminded everyone that hearsay should be treated like a rumour of an impending fuel price drop—it never materializes into anything substantial.
As expected, Mpuuga expressed his own disapproval of the court’s decision, especially when it ventured into what he called “by the way” issues, like the commission’s budget and its powers. While he didn’t exactly unleash a torrent of criticism, Mpuuga’s discontent simmered like a pot of Matooke on a slow fire.
Bobi Wine’s Response: Presidential Ambitions or Political Showboating?
While the court’s decision swirled in the air, Bobi Wine had his own saga to tell. The People Power movement leader, famous for his songs turned political anthems, reiterated that he would contest for the presidency in 2026. But according to Mpuuga, Bobi’s ambitions are more of a concert tour than a serious political bid. After all, in Uganda, claiming you’ll “stand for president” is as common as promising to build a new well in the village when election time comes around.
It doesn’t help that Bobi Wine and Mpuuga’s relationship now resembles the rivalry between old school Kadongo Kamu musicians. It’s like watching Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool trading jabs—but instead of microphones, these two are throwing political accusations.
Parliament’s Pay and the Great Moral Debate
Uganda’s Parliament is a place where a politician can earn enough to buy a few dozen cows (or at least several goats and sacks of posho), yet still claim to be underpaid. When the High Court questioned the legitimacy of a Shs500m ex gratia payment to MPs, it unleashed a wave of moral outrage. Critics asked: “Shs500m for doing what, exactly?” And honestly, if you’ve been to a Ugandan funeral where the bereaved family asks you to contribute to funeral expenses, you know the feeling of being asked for money without knowing where it’s going!
Mpuuga, in his defense, compared his role as Leader of Opposition (LoP) to high ranking officials like the Vice President and the Prime Minister. According to him, the ex gratia isn’t for the person, but for the office—much like how a local chief expects a chicken or a goat for attending a clan meeting. You don’t give the gift for the man himself, but for the position he holds.
Yet, in true Ugandan style, there was much grumbling in the background, with many saying that Mpuuga’s reasoning sounded more like a boda-boda rider explaining why he needs an extra Shs2,000 for fuel—when you know very well the journey is just from downtown to Kireka.
A Battle of Perceptions: Bobi Wine and Mpuuga’s Cold War
As if the legal and financial wrangling wasn’t enough, Bobi Wine and Mpuuga’s political beef has turned into a full fledged “musical war”—only this time, instead of diss tracks, we have public accusations. Bobi Wine’s camp accused Mpuuga of being too cosy with Speaker Anita Among, a member of the ruling NRM, much like how a chicken might get a bit too comfortable with a fox in the same kraal.
Mpuuga, however, wasn’t having any of it. He brushed off the accusations, reminding everyone that the Speaker is simply doing her job—just as a market vendor is expected to haggle. In his view, comparing Bobi Wine to a seasoned political leader is like asking a first time farmer to plough the family garden with a smartphone.
The Alleged Mole Accusations
The accusations reached a crescendo when Bobi Wine basically called Mpuuga a mole, implying that Mpuuga had tried to register People Power as a political party behind his back. This allegation sparked laughter and disbelief among political pundits, as absurd as trying to make a boda-boda out of a wheelbarrow.
Mpuuga didn’t hold back in his response, stating that Bobi Wine was still stuck in the “musical wars” mindset, where every rival is treated like Chameleone or Bebe Cool. His sarcasm rang clear: if Bobi Wine is still fighting battles from his days as a musician, can he really handle the battles of leading Uganda?
The Cult of Personality and the Road to 2026
Mpuuga went on to criticize what he called a “cult of personality” forming around Bobi Wine. He compared it to the times he worked with seasoned political figures like Dr. Kizza Besigye and Norbert Mao, where no one ever gathered with goats and cocks to appease a leader—except, of course, when it was for traditional purposes. The fact that Bobi Wine has been declared NUP’s presidential candidate without so much as a whisper of internal elections didn’t sit well with Mpuuga, who worried that Uganda was breeding yet another dictator in waiting.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, Mpuuga seems determined to introduce legislative changes that will make it harder for any single party to dominate the country. Whether his proposals will succeed or end up like the proverbial Kisanja (banana fiber mat) that gets used until it’s threadbare, only time will tell.
The Never Ending Drama
In Uganda, where political alliances shift as quickly as the rain turns to sunshine, the Bobi Wine-Mpuuga saga is just the latest chapter in a long, winding story. One day they’re allies, the next day they’re adversaries—like two brothers fighting over who gets the last piece of rolex at a family breakfast. As we wait for the next twist, Ugandans, ever resourceful and resilient, continue with life, knowing that whether in politics or in the market, nothing stays the same for long.
Key Figures in the Political Drama
| Figure | Role/Position | Allegation/Issue Raised |
|---|---|---|
| Bobi Wine | NUP Party President | Accused Mpuuga of being a mole |
| Mathias Mpuuga | Leader of Opposition | Criticized Bobi’s leadership abilities |
| Anita Among | Speaker of Parliament | Alleged to protect Mpuuga in Parliament |
| Theodore Ssekikubo | MP, Lwamiyaga County | Alleged opportunism in political battles |
The only certainty in Uganda’s political scene? Expect the unexpected. The drama is far from over.
