The United Kingdom has officially lifted the ban on Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine and the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), marking the end of a decade-long exclusion. The ban, originally imposed due to Kyagulanyi's controversial anti-gay lyrics released in 2014, has been a subject of significant debate and human rights activism.
In his 2014 songs, Kyagulanyi urged the public to take action against individuals he referred to as “battymen,” which led to the ban. Human rights activists have continuously pressured the UK’s Home Office to deny Kyagulanyi entry and to cancel his scheduled performances, citing concerns about his lyrics and their impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
For over a decade, the Home Office maintained its stance, barring Kyagulanyi from entering England. However, on Sunday morning, Kyagulanyi expressed his happiness over the ban's overturn.
He said, "I am very glad to inform you that the ban against me from entering the UK has finally been overturned, and I will soon be visiting the UK after more than 10 years."
Kyagulanyi expressed his gratitude to their legal team in the UK and the People Power diaspora supporters who tirelessly voiced their concerns through protests and advocacy. He also addressed the argument that has been central to the campaign for lifting the ban.
“Their main argument has been that it is unfair to open their doors for Gen. Museveni, a world-renowned tyrant, and yet continue to shut the door for me, who, together with many others, is working to build a free and democratic country.” he stated.
Kyagulanyi has been engaged in discussions with British diplomats, international lawyers, and activists to facilitate his travel to the UK. The ban had previously led to the cancellation of two planned performances where he was set to support the Ugandan drama and music group, the Ebonies, in Birmingham and London.
The controversy surrounding Kyagulanyi's visit emerged due to a change.org petition that highlighted his songs' overtly homophobic lyrics and calls for violence against the LGBTQ+ community. The petition pointed out lyrics like: “Burn all the batty man. All Ugandans get behind me and fight the batty man.”
The UK’s Criminal Justice and Immigration Act of 2008 prohibits inciting hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation. When asked about Kyagulanyi's claims, the UK Home Office declined to comment on individual cases. Before the visa decision was reported, Kyagulanyi clarified his stance on homosexuality and freedom of speech.
He stated, “I am personally not out to threaten the life of any individual based on their sexual orientation, I just do not agree with them [homosexuals]. This is my opinion and happens to be that of 99 per cent of Ugandans.”
“I hope that the proponents of homosexuality who pride themselves in their liberalism and support for human rights will allow me my right of expression, even if they may not be comfortable with my opinion,” he added.
It's worth noting that shortly after this incident, Uganda’s Constitutional court overturned a ruling that would have subjected homosexuals to life imprisonment. Although this was seen as a victory for gay rights activists, homosexuality remains illegal in the country.
Kyagulanyi gained prominence through his socially-conscious songs that addressed issues faced by the people, and he has been an influential figure in Ugandan politics.
President Museveni's assent to the anti-homosexuality law, including provisions for the death penalty and long sentences for “promoting” homosexuality, drew condemnation from Western countries, including the United States. President Joe Biden referred to the law as "a tragic violation" of human rights and announced a review of U.S. engagement with Uganda.
