"Instead Of Complaining About Bobi Wine, Just Copy From Him, If NRM Is Weak To Act Like Him, Just Accept It" Otafiire Says as He Defends Bobi Wine’s NUP Regional Offices

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, has defended opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, over the opening of regional offices for the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Otafiire emphasized that no law bars a registered political party from establishing offices across the country. “Is there any law that bars Kyagulanyi from opening a regional political office? Tell me any law that prohibits him when he holds a license from the Electoral Commission,” he said.

His comments came after NUP recently opened a western regional office in Mbarara City. This followed the opening of the party’s eastern regional headquarters in Iganga District in August, demonstrating NUP’s commitment to national expansion.

Kyagulanyi explained that the Iganga office was built quietly to avoid political harassment. The land was acquired discreetly, construction was completed, and branding was done only a few hours before the commissioning ceremony.

Otafiire insisted that opening such offices is fully lawful and urged the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to stop raising complaints. “If NRM is weak or unwilling to work, stop complaining about Kyagulanyi. Borrow a leaf and open yours as well,” he said.

He challenged NRM leaders, saying they were seated and merely criticizing NUP’s expansion instead of acting themselves. “You are complaining that Kyagulanyi has opened a new regional office, what are you doing yourself?” Otafiire asked.

The minister reiterated that Kyagulanyi has a license to operate a political party and to establish regional offices across Uganda, underscoring the legal right of political parties to organize nationwide.

NUP explained that establishing regional headquarters is part of its strategy to strengthen grassroots mobilization and improve organizational capacity across the country. The move is aimed at engaging supporters and coordinating party activities more effectively.

Political analysts note that opening regional offices gives parties a stronger presence outside the capital. It allows them to respond to local issues, coordinate campaigns, and maintain closer contact with constituents.

As the 2026 elections approach, NUP’s regional expansion is expected to play a key role in mobilizing support. Otafiire’s remarks reinforce the message that registered political parties have the right to grow and organize legally, without interference or unnecessary criticism.