I am Rasta Who Is An Amateur In Leadership, Bobi Tells Supporters In Boston Convention

In his speech during a recent NUP Convention in Boston, U.S, the National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, admitted of being ineptitude in leadership thus directed his supporters, and the broader public to halt their criticisms of his leadership.

“I am an amateur in leadership. Taylor support us man. Criticize us with love, do not just break us down. We are learning on the job.” he proclaimed, openly grappling with the steep learning curve that comes with navigating the noisy waters of Ugandan politics.

Bobi’s  admission came in response to pointed, and challenging inquiries from controversial Ugandan Hillary Sseguya alias Justice Hunter, who confronted Bobi regarding the glaring missteps he has taken in his quest to be perceived the only one involved in challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly four-decade regime.

In his hard-hitting questions from Sseguya was meticulous on Bobi’s leadership shortcomings, particularly his failure to unite, and effectively challenge the entrenched Museveni regime.

He highlighted how past leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye had set a stronger precedent for cohesive opposition, contrasting this with what he termed the “public squabbles” seen today under Bobi’s leadership.

Rather than addressing the accountability issues raised by Sseguya, including the lack of internal democracy within NUP, and the absence of the electoral reforms, Bobi adopted a resilient demeanor and countered with his own points.

“I deserve no criticism whatsoever because I didn’t know these things, me I am a rasta. I didn’t know these things, I came in because I am passionate not because I am qualified,” a visibly angry, and quarreling Bobi said, attributing part of his leadership struggles to his identity as a Rasta man.

This unvarnished confession of his ineptitude did little to dispel the criticisms he faced. Instead, it painted a picture of a leader grappling with his role amid the expectations of his supporters.

Expounding on his perspective, Bobi noted, “There is so much to criticize against us. I have not even mastered how to walk like a gentleman.”

His tone reflected not only defiance but also a sense of vulnerability, openly acknowledging his shortcomings in a role that needs serious leaders, and it stood in stark contrast to his previous comments from 2023 when he embraced Sseguya’s criticisms as vital feedback.

In a 2023 similar engagement in the US, Bobi had cheerfully welcomed Sseguya’s tough questions regarding the leadership of Mathias Mpuuga, the then-Leader of the Opposition in Parliament with whom they had started political differences, indicating a shift in his stance toward constructive criticism.

“…Taylor asked about the LoP issue. This problematic brother of mine is interesting. I like people that challenge me because I do not like yes men,” a Jolly Bobi said in 2023.

“No, I like people that challenge me because that is when we are going to have a fair balance,” he added, showing a willingness to engage with dissenting voices when they aligned with his interests.

After the recent speech, Sseguya took to social media to call out Bobi’s apparent hypocrisy.

“My President, in 2023, you valued my criticism as strength. In 2025, I still offer the same. Tough love builds leaders, not blind cheerleading,” he posted, demonstrating the irony of Bobi’s current stand which out rightly, reject the criticism he once embraced.

Despite portraying a tough exterior in Boston, Bobi’s leadership rhetoric appears to betray a fundamental inconsistency.

Whilst he promotes the image of a servant leader accountable to the people, he has increasingly positioned himself as a leader beyond reproach since the 2021 elections. This evolving narrative raises questions about the authenticity of his claims, especially given his past insistence on the importance of accountability.

Bobi’s approach attracts both support and scrutiny from his followers, and as he continues to traverse the complexities of political life, Bobi Wine’s journey reveals an ongoing struggle between idealism and reality, leaving his supporters to ponder the path forward in a protracted battle against an entrenched regime.