KAMPALA.
The leader of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has asked Muslims to back his regime change gospel in next year’s General Election , saying they have suffered more than their Christian counterparts during President Museveni’s four decade rule.
Hosting Muslims for Ramadan Iftar Dinner at NUP Headquarters Kavule, a Kampala suburb, Wine , said Muslims are majority in state detention centres –some being held in incommunicado on trumped up charges.
“…While appreciating them, I implored Muslims across the country to get much more involved in the struggle for a better country, knowing how much persecution they have endured under the present regime. All those who have been detained at Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other torture chambers come telling us that there are countless Muslims stuck in those places – some for as long as twenty years,” He told the gathering
Wine said Uganda will never be free until all citizens are free.
“We shall only be free when all of us are free. Wishing you all blessings in the remaining days of this holy month of Ramadan,” he said
At the function, the newly sworn Kawempe North legislator Erias Nalukoola thanked his constituents and NUP leaders who entrusted him with leadership and vowed never to disappoint them.
“It was a collective effort to win the election in Kawempe North , but the hard task ahead of me is meeting the expectations of my voters and the NUP leadership . The clerics who are here and all good people of Uganda pray for me so that I fulfill my mandate as a legislator,” the soft-spoken Nalukoola beseeched
During the 2021 General Election , Wine , who was still new in Uganda’s politics managed to defeat President Museveni in the entire Buganda region and Busoga region which have huge concentration of Muslim population. During the previous five elections ,Museveni used to gather much votes from both regions . In 2021 ,the ruling NRM flag bearer scored 838,858 votes (35 percent) in Buganda against Mr Kyagulanyi’s 1,453,535 votes (62 percent).
Unlike Busoga Sub-region where wins of parliamentary seats masked a loss of the national vote, Mr Out of 78 directly elected MPs, the NRM managed to win only 23 positions. As for the district Woman MP, out of the 27 districts that make up Buganda, the NRM only came top in nine districts. Museveni’s NRM suffered defeat in both races in Buganda. NRM only successfully defended 32 seats. NUP had ripped 55 seats from its grasp in Buganda . In an effort to mend fences with electorates in Buganda, the NRM is currently sending teams, crisscrossing districts to endear the party to the voters.