Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has announced that he has forgiven President Yoweri Museveni for recent allegations that the opposition party rigged the 2021 general elections.
Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, shared this sentiment while addressing the congregation during a Sabbath service at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in Najjanankumbi.
The accusations came from President Museveni during a memorial service for the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, where he claimed that NUP had manipulated the 2021 elections by a margin of one million votes.
“I have evidence that NUP cheated by one million votes in the 2021 elections,” Museveni declared.
President Museveni further challenged the National Unity Platform (NUP) to take legal action if they believed his claims were false, asserting, “I have all the facts. NUP can take me to court and say Museveni is falsely accusing them.”
His comments took many in the political arena by surprise, as NUP has consistently accused Museveni of rigging the 2021 elections, maintaining that they were the legitimate victors.
In response, Robert Kyagulanyi expressed disappointment but reiterated his decision to forgive the president.
“Jesus says forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. I have, for that reason, forgiven him (Museveni),” Kyagulanyi said shortly after prayers.
Kyagulanyi, who secured 36% of the vote in the 2021 presidential election, placing second behind President Museveni, who was declared the winner with 65%, spoke amid ongoing controversy.
The election was overshadowed by reports of violence, intimidation, and widespread allegations of electoral fraud, raised both by the opposition and international observers.
In an address to the media, Kyagulanyi reflected on the Christian value of forgiveness, admitting that while it is a moral duty, practicing it can be challenging.
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“When we come to pray, the men of God tell us to forgive, which is right, but it’s not easy—especially when you are hurting, and yet those who hurt you are still out there,” he said.
Kyagulanyi’s message of forgiveness comes amid ongoing political tension in Uganda.
His National Unity Platform (NUP), which rose as the primary opposition in the 2021 elections, has faced continuous repression, including the arrests of prominent party leaders and supporters.
Despite these obstacles, Kyagulanyi has remained steadfast in advocating for peaceful and nonviolent methods of political change.
