WHAT IS YOUR ISSUE WITH HIM?? Otafiire Defends Bobi Wine Over Launch of NUP Regional Offices

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

Otafiire stated clearly that there is no law that prohibits any 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 followed the recent inauguration of the NUP western regional office in Mbarara City. This move comes just after Kyagulanyi officiated the opening of the party’s eastern regional headquarters in Iganga District in August.

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

Otafiire urged the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party to stop raising complaints about NUP’s expansion. “If NRM is weak or unwilling to work, stop complaining about Kyagulanyi. Borrow a leaf and open your own offices as well,” he said.

The minister emphasized that Bobi Wine, as a licensed political party leader, has every right to operate and expand his party throughout Uganda. “There is no law that prohibits Kyagulanyi from opening offices across the country,” Otafiire reiterated.

The establishment of regional headquarters is part of NUP’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots mobilization. By opening offices in different regions, the party aims to improve organizational capacity and reach more supporters effectively.

Political analysts note that regional offices help parties maintain a stronger presence outside the capital, enabling them to coordinate activities, engage with communities, and respond to local issues promptly.

Otafiire’s support for Bobi Wine sends a strong message about political freedoms in Uganda. It underscores that registered parties have the legal right to expand and organize without interference, as long as they comply with the law.

With the 2026 elections approaching, NUP’s regional offices are expected to play a key role in mobilizing supporters. Otafiire’s remarks could also deter political attacks aimed at questioning the legality of the party’s expansion efforts.