US opens up on reports that it backs Bobi Wine to end Museveni rule

The US government has vehemently denied claims that it supports Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, saying it is only interested in a free, fair and peaceful 2021 election.

Since Bobi Wine rose to political prominence in 2017, many government-leaning pundits have claimed the singer-turned-politician is furthering interests of his funders from the West.

In the heat of controversies surrounding the acquisition of National Unity Platform (NUP) party, former leader Moses Nkonge Kibalama claimed Bobi Wine was expecting billions from donors.

Of this whopping amount, Bobi Wine had reportedly promised Kibalama $5m (about Shs18bn). But Bobi denied these claims.

The US has featured prominently on the list of those Kampala accuses of funding the opposition for years, with some lobby groups openly declaring support for Bobi Wine.

But the US now says it doesn’t back any candidate in the 2021 presidential race – nor has it ever attempted to support any in previous polls.

In a statement in which it sought to “unequivocally reaffirm” its position on relations with Uganda, the US Mission in Kampala said it “doesn’t support any specific candidate or party in Uganda’s upcoming elections.”

“The United States supports the democratic process itself,” the Mission said, adding that it wouldn’t hesitate to advise the Donald Trump Administration to “consider consequences for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.”

The Mission has urged candidates to seek peace during and after the elections.

“Delivering a free, fair, inclusive and peaceful election is vital to Uganda’s democracy and international reputation as strong and stable regional leader,” noted the embassy.

“We call on all political parties, candidates and supporters to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We support those working to achieve this goal.”