We don’t support Bobi Wine, says US Ambassador Malac

The US Embassy in Uganda has denied supporting presidential ambitions for Kyadondo East Member of Parliament cum singer, Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine.

Responding to a question from journalists in regards reports over the weekend that US Senators Coon Christopher and Chris Van Hollen met Bobi Wine and pledged total support to his presidential ambitions, Malac said they meet everyone in every country they have missions.

“In every country around the world we meet with civil society, opposition politicians, members of the ruling party and everyone to understand what is going on in the country and it is no different here in Uganda,”Malac told journalists on Tuesday during the function to release the 2018 report on the work done by the US government in Uganda.

“We don’t support any candidates or political parties as the US government.”

It was reported that on August 12, 2019, met Malac’s home in Kololo and promised support to his presidential bid and also diplomatic support for the singer, cum politician in the US and elsewhere in the world.

The Ugandan government has always accused the US government of supporting opposition candidates in a bid to cause regime change and the same sentiments have been voiced about Bobi Wine and the West’s new- found love in the politician cum singer.

However, the US Ambassador said they support an open, free and fair political system that ensured freedoms for the people.

“We believe in rights entrenched in Uganda’s constitution.  We believe in freedom of speech, assembly and press. People should be left to assemble and should be left to do it freely.”

Government has also in the past accused the US of supporting various protests especially those involving opposition politicians including the recent #FreeBobiWine protests in various parts of the country.

The US Ambassador however said despite supporting members of the public to express their discontent with what they think is not right, the US government she noted does not condone any acts of violence.

“Individuals might hold different views from those of government but it should not be taken as an indication that we support any political player or entity in Uganda,” she added.

Malac, however, urged government to ensure citizen’s rights are respected in all ways.