Kampala, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu widely known as Bobi Wine has called on senior elders from Uganda’s Ankole and Kigezi sub-regions to urgently dissociate themselves from what he calls “barbaric actions” carried out by President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He accuses them of tribal supremacy, reckless rhetoric and crimes against humanity with the potential to ignite a national disaster.
This politically charged letter released on May 6, 2025 and addressed to high-ranking figures including former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, church bishops and Muslim district leaders is already sending waves across Uganda’s political landscape.
Kyagulanyi minces no words. In the letter he states that Muhoozi Museveni’s son and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) has been raging up ethnic hatred and has created an extremely dangerous narrative of sectarianism and tribal impunity.
He claims Muhoozi’s reckless social media posts and real-world actions are pitting tribes against one another especially the Banyankore against Baganda.
“Are you comfortable with what is going on? If not, what role can you play before the situation gets out of hand?” the NUP leader demands from the elders.
Perhaps the most important part of the letter references Edward Ssebuufu a.k.a. Eddie Mutwe Kyagulanyi’s long-time bodyguard who was allegedly abducted, detained incommunicado, tortured and publicly humiliated by Muhoozi’s men in a politically motivated attack.
“He was being taught Runyankore,” Kyagulanyi recounts referencing Muhoozi’s disturbing social media posts. “He posted a shocking picture of him naked and visibly tortured.”
Kyagulanyi accuses Muhoozi of turning torture into tribal dominance where victims are forced to sing pro-Museveni slogans while mocking cultural anthems of other tribes.
He likens it to early signs of genocide echoing chilling historical parallels with Nazi Germany and Rwanda’s 1994 genocide.
“Tribal, sectarian talk and actions by Gen. Museveni’s son… with the potential of setting our country on fire.”
While some critics might label the letter as alarmist, its urgency, historical references and direct tone make it impossible to ignore. This is not your average political memo it’s a defiant, passionate cry to history and moral conscience.
The letter was addressed to prominent figures from western Uganda, some of whom have historical ties to the Museveni administration.
Among the recipients is Hon. Nuwe Amanya Mushegam, Justice Bart Katureebe, Hon. Elly Karuhanga, Hon. Mary Mugyenyi, Bishops from both the Catholic and Anglican churches in Ankole and Kigezi and District Qadhis of the sub-regions
By appealing to elders, Kyagulanyi is not only challenging political power but also invoking cultural authority possibly the most sacred pillar in Uganda’s social hierarchy.
Kyagulanyi ends his letter with both a challenge and a reassurance that;
“Even if Museveni and Muhoozi do not listen to you, you will have gone on record and discharged your moral duty.”
He calls on Uganda’s elders to stand on the right side of history to distance themselves from tyranny and affirm their legacy by resisting what he deems a looming national tragedy.
The letter, shared across Bobi Wine’s social media channels, has sparked fiery debates online. While NUP supporters praised its boldness, regime sympathizers accused Kyagulanyi of inciting division.
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