Outspoken political analyst and Chairperson of the Council for Abavandimwe, Frank Gashumba, has sharply criticized former National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, for what he describes as conflicting statements and questionable strategic choices following the January 15, 2026, presidential election.
Speaking on NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Gashumba challenged Kyagulanyi’s approach to leaving the country temporarily, questioning his motives and urging discretion in managing his political engagements abroad.
“Bobi Wine has made many contradictory statements over time. In the recently concluded elections, he used the slogan ‘Kanonye, Kalonde, Kakuume, Kabanje,’ yet now he seems to be running away. Back in 2021, he had over 40 slogans, including ‘We are removing the dictator’ — where did those go?” Gashumba said.
The analyst also criticized Kyagulanyi for publicizing his movements while in hiding.
“Personally, if I were Bobi Wine, I would have at least done it in secret and not announced it to everyone. If he stayed silent, people would still speculate about his whereabouts. But today he’s eating jackfruit, tomorrow he’s at his family graveyard — and we know exactly where he is,” he said.
Gashumba contrasted Kyagulanyi’s actions with President Yoweri Museveni’s historical approach to political adversity, noting that Museveni balanced caution with discretion even during intense struggle.
“Although President Museveni travelled abroad during his fight, he never made public announcements; only his inner circle knew. Museveni is a very intelligent politician. He said that if the 1980 elections were rigged, he would go to the bush — and that is exactly what he did. He never fought from abroad,” Gashumba said.
Speculating on possible international attention, Gashumba suggested Kyagulanyi might receive recognition while abroad, including “a red carpet in America to receive awards,” and questioned his ability to manage life outside Uganda.
The remarks come after Kyagulanyi announced on Saturday that he would temporarily leave Uganda to engage the international community on governance issues following the disputed election. During his absence, he appointed NUP Vice President for Western Uganda, Lina Zedriga Waru, to serve as acting party president.
Since the January 15 election, Kyagulanyi has rejected the results, labeling them “fake” and alleging manipulation by the Electoral Commission, though no verified evidence has been presented. He has ruled out a court challenge, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary, and has instead called on supporters to engage in peaceful protests.
Government officials, including Chris Baryomunsi and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, have repeatedly dismissed claims of political persecution and urged Kyagulanyi to return home. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that security presence at Kyagulanyi’s Magere residence is for safety and to prevent public disorder.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello also emphasized that the security presence is protective, not punitive, warning that any attempt to harm Kyagulanyi could provoke “total chaos and mayhem.”
Gashumba added: “No one is looking for Bobi Wine. If the government wanted, they could revoke his passports [and] his national ID in just one second and he would not be able to move.”