Besigye speaks on Bobi Wine’s People Power Alliance with NUP

Main opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has welcomed the unveilling of a coalition between Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s People Power and National Unity Platform (NUP).

On July 22, Bobi Wine launched an alliance with NUP’s Nkonge Kibalama at People Power offices in Kamwokya, Kampala.

The alliance will see Bobi Wine carry NUP’s flag as a presidential candidate in next year’s election.

According to Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, NUP is “a welcome entrance into the forces against the 35-year NRM/Museveni junta” and “sooner than later, we shall overcome!”

There have been calls for Besigye and Bobi Wine to unite and take on President Museveni, Uganda’s ruler since 1986 following a protracted bush war in which Besigye participated.

But the former Museveni physician (in the bush war) and ex-minister recently said attempts at a coalition had become a nightmare.

Last month, Besigye and Bobi led other political players into an alliance dubbed ‘United Forces of Change.’

But Besigye clarified the coalition wasn’t aimed at the 2021 presidential election.

Moreover, Besigye is still coy on standing for president for a fifth time in a row.

Opposition chief whip Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda recently revealed Besigye had previously proposed Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as a candidate.

Main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is reportedly in talks to convince Besigye to consider a shot at the presidency again.

The party has recently faced internal trouble. But Ssemujju, who speaks for the Najjanankumbi-based organisation, says the media are exaggerating the situation in their reporting.

Meanwhile, while some in opposition would love to see Besigye and Bobi work together, today’s NUP unveiling could make coalition attempts more difficult.