Justice Forum (JEEMA) president and Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa has accused National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, of drifting away from the ideals of the People Power movement, saying he has become “bossy” and intolerant to differing views.
Basalirwa was reacting to remarks by Bobi Wine during a campaign rally in Bugiri Municipality, where the opposition leader urged voters to replace the incumbent MP, accusing him of betraying the People Power cause.
“Bobi Wine has changed a lot. During the People Power days, if he had an issue with you, he would call and talk about it, and we would resolve it. But now, he doesn’t pick calls, doesn’t reply to messages, and he has started ruining us,” Basalirwa said.
The legislator criticised Kyagulanyi’s campaign message in Bugiri, saying it was personal and lacked a national focus expected of a presidential hopeful.
“Those who attended his rally what message did they pick? There was no message to the people. As a presidential candidate, you must have a national agenda, not focus on individuals,” he said.
Basalirwa, who has previously worked closely with Kyagulanyi under the opposition alliance, urged leaders to resolve disagreements privately rather than shaming colleagues in public.
However, he acknowledged that the NUP president has the right to campaign for his party’s candidates.
“Mr. Kyagulanyi is the NUP Party President and is free to campaign for NUP candidates,” he said.
The public fallout highlights growing tensions between NUP and JEEMA ahead of the 2026 general elections, particularly in Bugiri Municipality, where both parties are expected to field candidates.
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