A wave of anger is sweeping through Buganda following Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s (Bobi Wine) visit to the home and grave of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, a man remembered by many in Buganda as the architect of the kingdom’s darkest political days.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, who is currently campaigning in northern Uganda, stopped at the Akokoro home of Jimmy Akena, Obote’s son and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President, where he laid a Ugandan flag on Obote’s grave.
Bobi Wine posted on his social media accounts after the visit “On our way to Apac, we passed by our brother Jimmy Akena’s country home in Akokoro and paid respect to the former President of Uganda, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote. May the spirit of brotherhood continue to be the guiding star in our generation.”
However, his move has intensified the rift across Buganda, where Obote’s legacy remains deeply controversial.
Many in Buganda still hold Obote responsible for the abolition of kingdoms following the 1966 attack on the Lubiri, and the forced exile and death of Kabaka Edward Muteesa II.
“Have you forgotten that it was Obote who once declared that a good Muganda is a dead one? It was under his ruthless regime that our beloved Kabaka grew up in exile after his father was overthrown, humiliated, and left to die in foreign land,” a concerned Muganda expressed the prevailing outrage.
The critic added that Bobi Wine’s decision to honor Obote “struck the hearts of many Baganda with deep disappointment,” describing it as a betrayal of Buganda’s history and values.
The anger has been intensified by what kingdom loyalists see as a growing hostility from NUP towards Buganda’s cultural institutions. The party’s continued boycott of CBS FM and the Enkuuka celebrations, both key symbols of the kingdom’s cultural pride has reinforced perceptions that NUP is undermining Buganda. Enkuuka is an annual end of year event organized by the Buganda Kingdom and its radio station, CBS FM, held at the Kabaka's palace in Mengo.
Political commentators note that by paying homage to Obote without acknowledging his role in Buganda’s suffering, Bobi Wine has alienated part of his traditional support base in central Uganda, which has long been the backbone of his political strength.
The visit has now become a test of Bobi Wine’s political judgment, as critics accuse him of placing political symbolism above historical sensitivity.
“Leadership must never forget history. Those who ignore it end up repeating the very wrongs our ancestors fought to correct,” another concerned Muganda warned.
As the 2026 elections intensify, the fallout from the visit may reshape political loyalties in Buganda, where identity, memory and allegiance to the kingdom remain deeply entrenched in the public conscience.
