BUGIRI – National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has publicly declared war on the political career of Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa, urging voters to eject him from parliament in the 2026 elections.
The call was made during a recent NUP rally in Bugiri, where Kyagulanyi launched a scathing attack on the legislator, accusing him of betraying the struggle for a free Uganda.
Kyagulanyi alleged that Basalirwa has abandoned his duty to defend the oppressed and has instead chosen to “dine with the oppressors.” He framed the upcoming election as a critical choice for the people of Bugiri, stating that they deserve a more accountable and principled representative.
“In 2026, you must vote him out. He has forgotten the people who sent him to Parliament and has joined those making our lives difficult,” Kyagulanyi told the rally.
To fill the anticipated void, the NUP leader officially introduced the party’s preferred candidate, Macelino Egesa Mangeni, urging residents to rally behind him as “the only hope they have now.”
The public condemnation from the opposition leader comes amid reports of significant political turmoil for Basalirwa both on the ground and within his own party, the Justice Forum (JEEMA). Sources indicate that the MP has been losing grassroots support, with party officials leveling serious allegations against him.
He is reportedly accused by some within JEEMA of being a “spy” and of refusing to relinquish control of the party leadership due to his alleged connections to State House.
Further compounding Basalirwa’s challenges are personal financial considerations highlighted by observers. A teacher by profession, it is suggested that the MP cannot sustain his lifestyle, which includes providing for two wives, on a teacher’s salary. This, analysts speculate, has made it difficult for him to continue positioning himself as a staunch government critic.
The public challenge from Bobi Wine and the internal party dissent signal a tough political battle ahead for Asuman Basalirwa as the 2026 elections draw closer.
