The National Unity Platform (NUP) Party Presidential Candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has pledged to restore professionalism, discipline, and non-partisanship in Uganda’s security forces, while promising a change in the country’s governance to boost its international image.
Speaking during a presidential debate organized by Nation Media Group at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Sunday night as he responded to questions raised on governance, security, and Uganda’s global reputation, Kyagulanyi accused the current regime of politicising the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police, turning them into instruments of political oppression.
“The Constitution is clear: the UPDF shall be non-partisan, national in character, and subordinate to civilian authority. Yet in practice, the force has been captured by a small clique using it to entrench power instead of protecting citizens,” he said.
Kyagulanyi described the problem as rooted in leadership, not rank-and-file personnel, saying key appointments in the security forces are now based on “relationships and even DNA” rather than merit.
He cited officers who have openly made partisan statements without facing consequences, calling this evidence of politicization.
“You have seen police officers, military officers coming out to make political statements against the law, and nothing happened. That tells you that the law is nothing more than the paper on which it is written,” he said.
Security reforms
Kyagulanyi outlined his vision for the security sector under a NUP government, saying it would focus on the welfare, dignity, and professionalism of personnel.
He promised:
- Better pay and welfare for UPDF and police officers;
- A strict and transparent code of conduct;
- Recruitment and promotion based on merit rather than loyalty;
- Security forces oriented to protect citizens and the Constitution, not the regime.
“While I’m president, I will never, ever use the military or the police to play politics,” Kyagulanyi said.
Tourism and Uganda’s international image
Kyagulanyi also addressed concerns about Uganda’s global image, linking the country’s reputation abroad to governance failures.
“We must understand that it all begins and ends with governance. Uganda is naturally beautiful, but negative headlines on human rights, corruption, and political repression overshadow our potential,” he said.
He added that the NUP government would aim to project Uganda on the same moral and democratic standard as other countries to improve bilateral and multilateral relations.
“We want to relate with Kenya and other democracies, but currently we are bringing dictatorship to them. Let us level up, let us have the moral standard, and we are going to be respected,” he said.
A “legitimate rebel”
Kyagulanyi described himself as a “legitimate rebel,” emphasizing that his political activism is nonviolent and within the law.
“I’m just like Museveni of the 1980s, only that we are nonviolent. We are able to operate like rebels within the law,” he said, explaining that his approach challenges unjust systems through civic action and political organization.
He concluded that Uganda is currently feared internationally due to its political repression, and that only a change in leadership and a return to the rule of law can restore respect abroad.
“Now we are not respected. We are only feared,” Kyagulanyi said.
