Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, has publicly urged opposition leader and National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine to walk away from politics and instead work under President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
The remarks came shortly after Museveni was declared winner of the 15 January 2026 presidential election with 71.65% of the vote, a result already surrounded by allegations of electoral manipulation.
Taking it to his X platform , Balaam praised Bobi Wine’s background in music and ghetto activism, arguing that politics is not where his true strength lies.
“Hon. Bobi Wine, consider applying for deployment in government and working alongside President Museveni. You can make a real impact on ghetto transformation, music and youth empowerment,” Balaam wrote.
The minister went further, offering to personally connect Bobi Wine to President Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and other top state officials, promising to assist him in securing a government role.
He urged the NUP leader to move on from opposition politics, saying the political arena should be left to “the seasoned leader, Mzee Museveni,” while insisting Wine’s story of rising from hardship could be better used in cultural and youth programs.
The post has stirred heated reactions online, with supporters calling it an attempt to co-opt and silence the opposition leader, while critics argue it reflects the ruling establishment’s confidence after Museveni’s latest victory.
As post-election tensions simmer, Balaam’s message has added a new twist to Uganda’s already charged political atmosphere.