In a press conference held at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, vehemently denied allegations of supporting the Anti-Homosexuality Act, stating that his previous comments on the matter were taken out of context by what he termed as NRM (National Resistance Movement) propagandists.
Kyagulanyi accused NRM propagandists of attempting to paint him as a proponent of homosexual rights, aiming to create a divide between him and a population that predominantly opposes homosexuality. The NUP leader emphasized that the controversial law, which he believes targeted the opposition, was passed to specifically target him.
During an interview with the BBC, Kyagulanyi alleged that the law was a political tool orchestrated by President Museveni to garner public support and create discord within the opposition. When confronted about all members of his party voting for the law, Kyagulanyi deflected, claiming collaboration with President Museveni.
Addressing the press, Kyagulanyi, now cautious about his stance, asserted that as a leader, he no longer advocates for the punishment of homosexuals, a shift from his position in 2013 that led to his temporary ban from entering the UK—an imposed ban later lifted.
When questioned about his current stance on the law, Kyagulanyi refrained from providing a clear position, contending that the law was a political maneuver to force him into opposition, potentially causing a fallout with Western supporters of gay rights.
In a surprising twist, Kyagulanyi disclosed information regarding an alleged 100 million Shillings reward to Members of Parliament (MPs) for passing the 3.5 trillion Shillings supplementary budget. He claimed that the funds were concealed within the classified budget of the State House, cautioning NUP MPs against accepting what he referred to as a bribe.
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the MP for Butambala County and Shadow Minister for Finance, confirmed that they became aware of the additional funds after approving the budget. The undisclosed sum, reportedly cut from other budgetary items, was outlined in a 78.6 billion Shillings schedule presented to the Speaker of Parliament by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
Despite the classified nature of the funds, Kivumbi expressed concern over the potential disbursement to MPs, raising questions about the transparency and motivations behind the allocation.
