Caught Between Whites And Ugandans, Bobi Fails To Reveal His Homosexuality Stance

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has found himself in a precarious position regarding his stance on homosexuality.

Despite portraying himself as a straightforward and moral leader, Bobi’s ambiguity on the issue has raised eyebrows.

On November 9, 2024, during an interview on Kyoga Veritas Radio-Soroti, Bobi who used the station to boost his ongoing countrywide tour dodged a listener’s question about his support for homosexuals, opting instead to deflect criticism and accuse President Museveni of using the anti-homosexuality stance to divert attention from his dictatorial leadership.

“They are trying to take us into their homosexual talk which we are not going to go into because now, we are not looking at their homosexuality issues as our main challenge today,” Bobi said, “…they are bringing that as a diversion, I have encouraged Ugandans not to be diverted by Museveni’s homosexual talk, and I will not spend so much time on Museveni’s homosexuality talk.”

This is not the first time Bobi who was in accompaniment of party leaders noticeably Lewis Lubongoya, the NUP secretary general, Linah Zedriga, NUP’s deputy president for northern Uganda, among other local party mobilizers, has sidestepped the homosexuality issue.

In previous interviews with European and American media outlets which he used to make a barrage of attacks against Museveni, and the servants in his regime, he has failed to provide a clear answer, leaving many wondering about his true stance.

When the UK lifted a travel ban against him due to his views expressed in his song “Burn Dem”, Bobi told international media that “people grow and transform,” implying his change of heart regarding homosexuals. However, his actions suggest an elusive man about the right that is very dear to his political allies, overseas.

Ugandans, deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs, are largely against homosexuality.

Catch-22 situation

Bobi’s failure to take a clear stance has put him in a catch-22 situation. Denouncing homosexuality by blabbering Bobi would risk losing significant financial support from international donors while proclaiming its support would alienate him from the majority of Ugandan voters, who are not tolerant of the practice.

Bobi’s ambiguous responses have sparked controversy, with some accusing him of hypocrisy. David Vidal Sans, a Digital Communications Specialist at the European Union Parliament, initially praised Bobi for advocating for LGBTQ rights but later deleted the tweet sometime last year. Without revealing his stance, the typical Bobi countered Vidal, claiming the tweet was falsified, and part of a blackmail attempt by Museveni’s regime.

In an interview with South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC), Bobi stated that he respects all people’s rights. However, when pressed by BBC’s Hard Talk host Zeinab Badawi about his past condemnation of homosexuals, Bobi stopped short of apologizing.

President Museveni has repeatedly accused Bobi of promoting homosexuality and being an agent of foreign interests. Bobi’s inability to provide a clear stance on homosexuality has raised questions about his leadership and commitment to human rights.

As Uganda navigates complex social and political issues, Bobi’s ambiguity on homosexuality has become a liability. His failure to take a clear stance has created confusion among supporters and critics alike. With the country’s conservative values at odds with international human rights standards, Bobi must reconcile his commitment to human rights with the harsh realities of Ugandan politics.