The president of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, quietly but unmistakably stole the spotlight during Christmas Mass at Lubaga Cathedral yesterday. His presence, positioning and reception turned the service into a moment of political symbolism as much as spiritual reflection.
The 2026 presidential hopeful arrived dressed in a black suit, accompanied by his wife Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi and their children, Suubi Shine Nakaayi and Shadrack Mbogo. After passing through security, Kyagulanyi walked straight into the cathedral under the watch of VVIP police protection accorded to him as a presidential candidate by the Electoral Commission (EC).
He was flanked by close political allies, including his elder brother Fred Nyanzi Sentamu, the NUP parliamentary candidate for Kawempe South, and Eugene Nassolo, the party’s flag bearer for Lubaga South. The group moved with little fuss, but their presence did not go unnoticed.
Kyagulanyi and his wife were seated in the front row on the extreme left, directly facing the sanctuary. Immediately next to them sat the minister of Higher Education and government representative, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo. A red carpet marked a clear boundary between their seats and the section reserved for Buganda Kingdom dignitaries, including Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga and his wife Margaret, Prince Daudi Wasajja and his wife Marion Elizabeth Nankya, and former Katikkiro Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemogerere.
That placement proved crucial. When Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere acknowledged Kyagulanyi’s presence during the service, the opposition leader rose, bowed respectfully and waved to the congregation. The gesture triggered visible excitement among worshippers, many of whom responded with cheers and applause, briefly shifting attention away from the liturgy.
The recognition carried weight in a cathedral packed to capacity, with hundreds of believers forced to follow the Mass from outside tents and surrounding spaces. The moment ensured Kyagulanyi dominated both the atmosphere and media attention, eclipsing other political figures present, including fellow presidential aspirant Robert Kasibante, who was seated further back.
Speakers who followed, including Katikkiro Mayiga, Archbishop Ssemogerere and Dr Muyingo, urged Ugandans to vote for leaders of their choice while maintaining peace and stability.
Kyagulanyi looked slimmer than usual, possibly a sign of fatigue after months of nationwide campaigning often disrupted by security restrictions. He was seen quietly whispering and smiling with his wife during the service, appearing relaxed despite the political undertones surrounding his appearance.
At one point, Katikkiro Mayiga referred to Kyagulanyi as his brother-in-law, a remark that drew murmurs from the congregation.
In a setting meant for worship, Bobi Wine, without uttering a word from the pulpit, managed to command attention, energise the congregation and reinforce his political relevance, effectively stealing the show at Lubaga’s Christmas Mass.
