Former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga asked to Resign by the NUP party to resign from the position of Commissioner of Parliament after admitting to having taken part in an irregular service award amounting to UGX 500 million.

There is an ongoing online protest under the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition. The protest aims at exposing the massive corruption, abuse of office and gross mismanagement of public affairs by the leadership of Parliament and other leaders.

Unfortunately, the protest has not only revealed grand corruption on the side of NRM leaders. Some leaders on the opposition side have had serious allegations of corruption leveled against them. Specifically, our former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and current Parliamentary Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga alongside three other Parliamentary Commissioners have been accused of irregularly awarding themselves huge sums of tax-payers’ money on the pretext of “Service Awards”. Under the scheme, Rt. Hon. Mpuuga was allocated 500,000,000/= (Five Hundred Million Uganda Shillings).

Dear NUP leadership,
It is commendable that you have stood up not to ignore the disquieting revelations of the #UgandaParliamentExhibition and that you have taken some action. It is a good gesture and political culture.

In that spirit, for this not to seem to be about Hon.… https://t.co/ApBqTRfV8R

— Jim Spire Ssentongo (@SpireJim) February 29, 2024

On Wednesday 28th February 2024, the President convened an urgent meeting comprised of senior leaders of the Party including all Deputy Presidents and some of our senior legislators. At the meeting, Rt. Hon. Mpuuga admitted that he indeed took part in this wrong doing and apologised for the same. In light of this, he was strongly advised that the moral thing to do in the circumstances is to step down from his role as Parliamentary Commissioner with immediate effect.

The nation will recall that the values of the National Unity Platform are Discipline, Reliability, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Patriotism and Service. All actions of corruption and abuse of office go contrary to these values. They also go contrary to the Integrity Oath which every leader of the Party swore at the start of this term.

We therefore ask our leaders at all levels to do self-reflection and recommit themselves to these values and the Oath they took to shun and fight corruption in all its forms.

An in-depth analysis of What it means for Bobi Wine to meet Global influencers

Bobi Wine’s Meetings with Global Influencers:

Bobi Wine, the Ugandan people’s President, has recently embarked on a series of high-profile meetings with globally renowned figures spanning various domains. From policy makers and activists to iconic filmmakers and acclaimed actors, his interactions transcend mere celebrity photo opportunities and represent strategic strides towards amplifying his advocacy and the broader movement for social change in Uganda. These engagements come in the wake of the critically acclaimed documentary, “Bobi Wine The People’s President,” which has garnered significant acclaim and recognition on the global stage.

The gripping documentary which unmasks and exposes Museveni’s repressive tactics to cling onto power also chronicles the remarkable journey of Bobi Wine, a pop star-turned-politician, as he strives to dismantle Uganda’s brutal dictatorship under dictator Museveni’s oppressive rule. The film’s profound impact and resonance have propelled it to numerous accolades globally, including an Oscar nomination and the prestigious Best Political Film of the Year award at the Cinema for Peace Awards in Berlin, Germany. This recognition has undoubtedly elevated Bobi Wine’s profile, opening doors to a multitude of platforms and enabling him to meet and engage with influential figures from diverse spheres.

At the forefront of these engagements is Bobi Wine’s pursuit of visibility and outreach. By aligning himself with influential personalities, he taps into their extensive reach and platform, exposing his cause to new audiences that may have previously been oblivious to the challenges plaguing his nation under Dictator Museveni. Celebrities and renowned figures possess the power to captivate the masses, and by leveraging these connections, Bobi Wine can rally support from unexpected quarters, fostering a global consciousness about the dire need for reform in Uganda.

Moreover, the documentary’s success has facilitated Bobi Wine’s ability to forge vital relationships with key decision makers and fellow activists. With the documentary serving as a catalyst, he can engage in dialogues with policymakers and government officials, advocating for change at the highest echelons of power and pushing for legislative and administrative reforms that strike at the root causes of social injustices. Simultaneously, by collaborating with fellow activists who have been inspired by his story, Bobi Wine can strengthen the solidarity within the movement, sharing strategies, experiences, and amplifying their collective voice for change.

The engagements with iconic filmmakers and actors, many of whom have likely been exposed to Bobi Wine’s journey through the documentary, present a unique opportunity for him to leverage the power of storytelling and artistic expression. Through joint initiatives, public statements, and collaborative projects, these creative minds can shed light on the harsh realities of life in Uganda under the Museveni oppressive regime, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Their ability to craft narratives and evoke emotions can serve as a powerful catalyst for raising awareness and igniting a sense of urgency for action.

Significantly, the documentary’s success has also opened doors to invaluable resources and expertise that can bolster Bobi Wine’s activism. From logistical assistance to strategic guidance and networking opportunities, the connections he forges with influential figures who have been moved by his story can provide a range of opportunities that can sustain and propel the momentum of the people power movement.

What it means for Bobi Wine to meet Global influencers

Additionally, Bobi Wine’s engagement with global influencers extends beyond the confines of individual meetings. By cultivating long-term relationships and collaborations, he can tap into their respective spheres of influence, amplifying his message through joint initiatives, public appearances, and social media campaigns. This synergy can create a ripple effect, inspiring others who have been captivated by the documentary to join the cause and lending credibility to the movement’s objectives.

In the broader context, the success of “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” and the subsequent engagements with global figures represent a recognition of the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and human rights across borders. By aligning himself with like-minded individuals and organizations, many of whom have been moved by his story, Bobi Wine can foster a sense of global solidarity, transcending national boundaries and inspiring others to stand in solidarity with the plight of the Ugandan people.

Bobi Wine’s meetings with these global icons are not mere celebrity endorsements but calculated moves to expand his fight for social change in Uganda. By leveraging the influence, resources, and expertise of these individuals who have been touched by his remarkable journey, he can amplify his message, build solidarity, advocate for meaningful reforms, and inspire a global movement that demands justice and upholds the fundamental rights of all people.

What you need to know

• – Yoweri Museveni has been president of Uganda since seizing power in 1986 after a five-year guerrilla war. He has ruled the country for over 38 years through a combination of political repression, constitutional amendments to extend term limits, and suppressing opposition.

• – Uganda is essentially an authoritarian state with Museveni and his political party, the National Resistance Movement, dominating all branches of government and major institutions. Elections are marred by intimidation, violence, and lack of a level playing field.
• – Political opposition, dissent, and criticism of the government are routinely suppressed through arrests, harassment, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures, activists, and journalists. Freedom of expression, assembly, and the press are severely restricted.
• -The government has cracked down brutally on protests and the political opposition, including conducting a violent crackdown on supporters of Bobi Wine during the 2021 presidential election campaign in which over 150 people were killed.
• – Human rights defenders, civil society organizations, NGOs, and activists face constant harassment, detentions, office raids and shutdowns by security forces under accusations of destabilizing the regime.
• – Entrenched corruption, nepotism, and abuse of public resources are rampant within the government, security services, and the public sector, enriching Museveni’s inner circle and patronage networks.
• – Uganda under Museveni, poverty levels remain high, and wealth is concentrated among the ruling elite. Health, education, and social services are poorly funded and inadequate for most citizens.
• – Museveni wields control over the security forces through leaders loyal to him. The military and police are implicated in human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, torture, and cracking down violently on dissent.

In essence, Museveni rules as an authoritarian leader, suppressing opposition, dissent, and civil liberties to maintain his grip on power, while also presiding over widespread corruption, economic inequality, and human rights abuses by security forces. This has fueled calls for democratic reforms by the opposition.

Writer

JBMuwonge – Social Activist

www.jbmuwonge.com

Briefly about Bobi wine the people’s president

Bobi Wine: The People’s President is a gripping documentary that chronicles the remarkable journey of Bobi Wine, a pop star-turned-politician, as he strives to dismantle Uganda’s brutal dictatorship under Museveni brutal rule. The film delves into the 2021 Ugandan presidential election, where Bobi Wine, alongside his wife Barbie, leads a courageous fight for freedom against President Museveni’s oppressive 35-year regime

In this powerful narrative, Bobi Wine’s activism and determination resonate as he rallies his people, challenging the status quo and advocating for change. The documentary sheds light on the intersection of music, politics, and human rights, making it a must-watch for those interested in social justice and the pursuit of democracy.

If you’re curious to explore this compelling story, you can find the full documentary on platforms like National Geographic and Disney+. It’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge oppressive systems and fight for a better future.

Here is the Full Documentary of Bobi wine the People’s President

Bobi Wine The People’s President

Born in the slums of Kampala, Bobi Wine, Ugandan opposition leader, former member of parliament, activist and national superstar musician, risks his life to fight the ruthless regime led by Yoweri Museveni. Museveni has been in power since 1986 and changed Uganda’s constitution to enable him to run for yet another five-year term. Running in the country’s 2021 presidential elections, Bobi Wine uses his music to denounce the dictatorial regime and support his life mission to defend the oppressed and the voiceless people of Uganda. In this fight, he must also take on the country’s police and military, which are not afraid to use violence and torture in a vain attempt to intimidate and silence him and his supporters.

Bobi Wine The People’s President

Meet the Participants

BOBI WINE

PARTICIPANT

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, famously known as Bobi Wine, is a musician turned politician who is the current leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People Power Movement. Bobi was born in Mpigi District in Uganda on Feb. 12, 1982. He grew up in the Kamwokya slums in the northeast part of Kampala. His mother was a nurse, and his father was a veterinarian and farmer.

Bobi is a singer, musician, actor and activist. He has campaigned for hospital sanitization, malaria prevention, refugees’ rights and children’s education. His songs are known as peaceful protest and edutainment (a mix between education and entertainment), focusing on the struggles of Uganda’s underprivileged and low-income earners and calling upon young people to join politics and change their country’s destiny. He is married to Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, known as Barbie, with whom he has four children.

His characteristic enthusiasm for democratic discourse and the popularity he had earned from his prior artistic and philanthropic endeavors successfully endured his transition to politics. Bobi Wine continues to lead the NUP, the largest political opposition party in Uganda and has become the main opposition leader to President Museveni’s rule.

BARBARA “BARBIE” ITUNGO KYAGULANYI

PARTICIPANT

Barbara “Barbie” Itungo Kyagulanyi is an author, philanthropist and human rights activist.

Barbie’s 2012 book, “Golden Memories of a Village Belle,” gives insight into her early childhood experiences with village politics and local council elections, her African family unit, and the abject poverty that led to the early marriages of her childhood friends.

In 2013, Barbie founded Caring Hearts Uganda, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that seeks to champion development projects in rural areas, prioritizing health care, maternity, education and sanitary programs. The NGO supports empowering leadership in girls through HIV/AIDS eradication, menstrual hygiene instruction, and continuing education, teaching traditional Ugandan values while encouraging girls to stay in school. In the community, the NGO has extended entrepreneurship skills to teen mothers for personal development and sustainability.

With a master’s degree in human rights law from the University of London, Barbie has taken on the mantle of demanding equity and equality for women in political spaces through the women’s wing of the National Unity Platform political party, which is led by her husband, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.

Meet the Filmmakers

CHRISTOPHER SHARP

DIRECTOR, PRODUCER

Christopher Sharp was born in Uganda and has a deep appreciation for the country’s people, culture and extraordinary natural beauty. He spent his early working life as a film editor in London and more recently has revisited the profession as director of ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President’.

He met Bobi and Barbie in 2017 and was inspired by their courage. Christopher believed in their extraordinary capacity to enact change, and instantly knew that their enormous sacrifice and resilience needed to be documented.

He worked closely with a number of talented individuals, including Editor Paul Carlin, as well as acclaimed Producer John Battsek, Co-Director Moses Bwayo, and other inspirational cinematographers. Collectively they have made a film which he hopes gives courage to all those who struggle under oppressive regimes.

MOSES BWAYO

DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Moses Bwayo is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker known for shooting and co-directing the award-winning feature documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” (2023). Born in the village of Bududa on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, Moses was introduced to filmmaking by peeking through cracks in the walls of local kibandas, bootleg movie theatres housed in wooden shacks. Wrapt in the exciting camerawork and storytelling of Hollywood’s martial arts films, Moses immediately fell in love with cinema.

At 19, he moved to the capital of Uganda, got a job as a portrait photographer, and began studying at Kampala University. In 2013, he graduated with honors with his Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication. Moses went on to earn a postgraduate diploma at Kampala Film School, the nation’s top film and television conservatory, and started working as a production sound recordist and cinematographer.

His life changed when he met Oscar®-nominated director Mira Nair, who was facilitating a workshop for aspiring filmmakers at her Maisha Film Labs. He was chosen as a boom operator on Nair’s short documentary “A Fork, a Spoon and a Knight” (2014). Subsequently, Nair took Moses under her wing and mentored him for two years, during which he performed sundry jobs for Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” (2016), travelling to the United States for the first time for the final mix with Nair in New York.

In 2016, Moses started his own production company in Kampala, Jajja Productions, where he oversaw production and post-production services on various commercial, documentary, and feature films. Moses’ reputation as a courageous verité cinematographer and local fixer began to grow, shooting for ABC, BBC, and VICE News for their Uganda-based productions.

In late 2017 His life changed again when he began work on the feature documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President.” Working closely with co-director and producer Christopher, Moses spent five harrowing years following Bobi Wine, a pop star turned politician who ran for president opposing Yoweri Museveni, a dictator who has been in power since 1986. During the production, Moses was arrested, imprisoned, and shot in the face at close range while filming. Two-time Oscar winner John Battsek also produced the film. With mounting threats to him and his family for making the film, Moses fled Uganda to the United States. 

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President” premiered to a 10-minute standing ovation at the 2022 Venice Film Festival in September 2022, where it sold to National Geographic before making its U.S. premiere at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival. The film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Hamptons International Film Festival.

JOHN BATTSEK

PRODUCER

John Battsek is one of the most successful producers in feature documentary filmmaking. Starting with Academy Award winning One Day in September, which John conceived of and produced, he has since been responsible for some of the most acclaimed documentaries in recent years.

John’s most notable credits include Academy Award & BAFTA-winning Searching For Sugar Man, Academy Award-nominated Restrepo and Winter On Fire, and Emmy-winning Manhunt: The Story Of The Hunt For Bin Laden, The Tillman Story and Forever Pure. John served as producer on Grammy-nominee Eric Clapton: Life In 12 Bars and the BAFTA nominated & Peabody winning Listen to Me Marlon. John also served as Executive Producer on the BAFTA Award winning The Imposter and Hillsborough.

In 2020, John launched his new production company Ventureland with long-time PrettyBird collaborators Kerstin Emhoff, Ali Brown and Paul Hunter. His most recent credits include Emmy Award winning The Rescue (National Geographic), double Emmy winning Rising Phoenix (Netflix), critically acclaimed biopics Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, and Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story. In 2022 John served as producer on Mary McCartney’s directorial debut, If These Walls Could Sing, the story of London’s iconic Abbey Road recording studio, which premiered at Telluride 2022 and was released on Disney+.

Most recently, John produced the freediving documentary The Deepest Breath which premiered at Sundance 2023 and will be released by Netflix later this year. John also produced Alex Gibney’s portrait of former tennis legend Boris Becker (Apple TV+) and a three-part series on David Beckham directed by Fisher Stevens for Netflix.