They Are Unfit!! Mao Chases Away Robert Kyagulanyi & NUP From Uganda’s Transition Discussions

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has announced that the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, will not participate in Uganda’s political transition talks. He described their politics as “toxic” and unsuitable to shape the country’s future.

Speaking during a Democratic Party press engagement, Mao revealed that serious discussions about Uganda’s political transition are already underway. However, these talks are happening quietly in boardrooms, not in rallies or on television.

“There are other groups who we call regime change fundamentalists whose politics is poisonous and cannot be allowed to take charge,” Mao said. “They can make all the drama they want but they will never see their evil plans realized.”

Mao stressed that the transition process involves leaders from both government and opposition. He named President Museveni, himself, Mathias DF’a Mpuuga, UPC’s Jimmy Akena, and possibly veteran statesman Bidandi Ssali as key figures driving the process.

“In one room you have Museveni, myself, Mathias Mpuuga, Jimmy Akena, and hopefully Bidandi Ssali. These are the people who are going to see the transition of this regime. The process is already ongoing and it’s not what your naked eye can see or what your TVs show,” he said.

He also explained that the media often reports decisions that have already been made, while the real transition happens quietly behind closed doors.

Looking forward to the 2026 general elections, Mao predicted a much calmer campaign season. He warned Ugandans not to expect the loud, crowd-filled rallies of previous elections.

“Transition is not something that elections will bring about,” Mao said. “These elections will be the quietest you have ever seen. You announce where your rally is going to be, you drive silently there, address people, then wait to see if they vote for you or not.”

Mao’s statements underline the growing tension between NUP and other political actors who see themselves as central to Uganda’s next phase of leadership. By branding Bobi Wine and his allies as disruptive, he drew a firm line between what he calls “constructive actors” and those who will “never lead this country.”

The Justice Minister’s remarks send a clear message: NUP and Bobi Wine are excluded from the current political transition. According to Mao, the party’s approach is incompatible with the goals of Uganda’s leadership for a peaceful and orderly transition.