Since gaining independence, the Buganda Kingdom has been instrumental in shaping politicians from among the Baganda to advocate for the kingdom’s interests within the central government. Esteemed leaders like Mayanja Nkangi, Abu Mayanja, and Paul Kawanga Semogerere benefited from the kingdom’s backing to fulfill this purpose.
In 1993, following President Museveni’s reinstatement of cultural institutions and the enthronement of Kabaka Ronald Mwenda, the kingdom persisted in mentoring politicians such as Mathias Mpuuga and Medard SSegona. From their early years, these individuals were prepared through programs like Nkoba-Za Mbogo to champion the kingdom’s interests.
Bobi Wine entered the political arena aiming to align himself with the Buganda Kingdom to gain its support, even adopting the title “Omubanda wa Kabaka.” As the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), he prominently featured tribalism in his political agenda. This approach risked causing friction between the Buganda Kingdom and President Museveni, especially if the kingdom were to endorse Bobi Wine’s political endeavors.
Recent internal disputes within the NUP, particularly involving criticism of Mathias Mpuuga’s performance and his subsequent dismissal as the Leader of Opposition, have raised questions about unity and loyalty within the party. Bobi Wine’s decision to reshuffle NUP’s parliamentary leadership following allegations of collaboration with President Museveni further fueled these controversies.
Tensions escalated with rumors that Bobi Wine planned to remove Mpuuga from his vice-presidential position within the NUP and from his parliamentary seat. These speculations were confirmed by actions in Masaka, Mpuuga’s stronghold, which led to Mpuuga’s allies demanding an immediate halt to these undermining activities.
Further criticism came from Medard Lubega Segona and Abed Bwanika, who accused Bobi Wine and his family of undermining political figures groomed by the Buganda Kingdom. Criticisms from NUP members against the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, though later addressed by the Kabaka’s reappointment of Mayiga, suggest Bobi Wine’s indirect involvement in these disputes.
The ongoing rift could potentially harm Bobi Wine’s and the NUP’s standing, possibly leading to the emergence of a new political faction in Buganda supported by the kingdom in the 2026 elections.
