If the Robert Kyagulanyi of today met Bobi Wine of 2001, the two will smile and even share a hug. But they would barely recognise each other.
Bobi Wine makes 42 years today. His journey from a free-spirited, ganja-smoking musician to arguably the most influential and prominent opposition politician today has been sort of miraculous.
In this pictorial, we trace some of the moments that have defined his 42 years on earth.
Born in Nkozi Hospital on February 12 1982, he grew up in the Kamwokya ghetto in the capital city of Kampala. Despite his humble beginnings, Kyagulanyi rose to become a powerful voice against autocracy using music as his secret weapon.
In the early 2000s, he released singles such as “Akagoma,” “Funtula,” and “Sunda” making him a household name. Over the years he has released more than 60 songs across various genres such as reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat.
In addition to his music career, Kyagulanyi has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in Uganda. He has acted in several local films, including “Yogera” and “Situka,” and had his own reality TV show called “The Ghetto President.”
However, it is Kyagulanyi’s political career that has brought him international attention. In 2017, he announced his candidacy for parliament and won the by-election for Kyadondo County East constituency by a wide margin.
He later gained national prominence when he mobilized for other opposition in subsequent by-elections such as Kassiano Wadri and Asuman Basalirwa.
Yet it was in 2020, when Bobi Wine took his biggest political leap, announcing that he would run for the national presidency. He did under the banner of the National Unity Platform, a party hastily formed three months to the campaigns.
The election itself was marred by violence and allegations of fraud. Despite the electoral commission announcing Museveni as the winner, Kyagulanyi refused to accept the results, claiming they were fraudulent.
Today, as leader of the National Unity Platform, Bobi Wine he continues to advocate for good governance and respect for human rights. He has won awards for this.
As he makes 42 years today, there is no doubt that he has had a rollercoaster ride of a life!
