APAC . The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi better known as Bobi Wine, has paid tribute to Uganda’s former President, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, during his campaign trail in Lang sub region .
While en route to Apac District for his campaign trail on Friday, Bobi Wine made a stopover at the country home of Jimmy Akena, Obote’s son and President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) formed by the father. He later visited Obote’s grave, where he laid a Ugandan flag in honor of the country’s former leader.
Bobi Wine, who is making his second attempt to unseat President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the upcoming 2026 General Elections, described the gesture as one of national unity and respect for Uganda’s history.
“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,” Bobi Wine posted on his X handle
Obote, Uganda’s first post-independence Prime Minister who later became President, was twice deposed from power — first in a 1971 coup by Idi Amin, and again during the 1980–1986 bush war that eventually brought Museveni to power. He died of kidney failure on October 10, 2005 at the age of 81.
Bobi Wine’s symbolic visit to Obote’s grave has been widely interpreted as a gesture of reconciliation and acknowledgment of Uganda’s complex political history, as he continues to rally support across the country ahead of January polls . Since the son of the soil –Akena was ejected out of the presidential race after failing to meet some criteria, this is likely to give advantage to Bobi Wine to eat into UPC’s solid support in Lango and add something to his vote pool as he seeks to unseat the incumbent Yoweri Museveni who has been in power for four decades .
Bobi Wine’s visit drew massive crowds in Apac District, where he addressed supporters as part of his “Protest Vote” campaign, which emphasizes peaceful resistance through the ballot.
“This is how we have been received by the Lango sub-region in Apac District. We have rallied them to appreciate our protest vote which seeks to revive the Uganda that works for all,” he said.
The NUP leader urged Ugandans to turn out in large numbers during the 2026 elections, vote against President Museveni, and safeguard their votes.
“We are calling upon all Ugandans to exercise their democratic right and defend their choice. True change will only come through the people’s power,” Bobi Wine emphasized.