Furious Bobi Threatens To Quit Alliance With NRM Top Army Generals Over Unpaid Cash In Billions

In a fiery showdown that took place deep into the night mid this November, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, issued a stark warning that he might sever ties with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) alliance if his outstanding financial demands were not met.

The tense meeting, attended by Bobi and his elder brother, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, also known as Chairman Nyanzi, centered around unresolved issues with General Salim Saleh, a powerful figure in the NRM Government and the younger sibling of President Yoweri Museveni.

Upon his secretive arrival at the meeting venue in a white Land Cruiser V8, Bobi was seen attempting to conceal himself in the back seat while his brother, seated in the front, was far more exposed.

His black shirt and trousers contrasted sharply with the military attire of the men stationed at the venue, who saluted him upon his entry, signaling the weight of the occasion.

Inside the Meeting Room

The atmosphere was charged, throughout the discussions which lasted at least five hours.

Sources close to the negotiations indicated that the meeting was intended to address both election preparations and the ongoing financial defaulting on the Government’s part yet money has been the glue to keep the Bobi’s alliance with the NRM intact.

One source described the agenda of the meeting stating, “The principal [Bobi] in company of his senior brother Fred Nyanzi, had a productive meeting with General Salim Saleh in Gulu this week.”

During the meeting, Bobi Wine raised alarms about recent aggressive actions by security operatives during his campaign efforts, expressing a palpable fear for his safety.

“The overzealous security operatives attacked my campaign recently,” Bobi reportedly told General Saleh, indicating his concern about potential violent repercussions he might face due to the actions of security personnel who seemed unaware of his alliance with the government.

Cash Issue

A large issue at hand was the non-payment of a previously agreed sum of Shs5bn per quarter, which had remained unpaid for the last two quarters, accumulating to a staggering Shs10bn. “Another issue discussed was the non-remittance of the agreed funds by the Government,” a source explained, underscoring the urgency of Bobi’s demands during the meeting.

Bobi’s frustration appeared to boil over as he confronted General Saleh, visibly threatening to withdraw from the partnership that has been described as relatively amicable since 2020.

“I have done your job according to the description you gave me. I attacked Besigye, and now he is a gone case politically. General, pay my money or else I quit this whole thing which has made my life hard,” Bobi expressed in a moment of desperation.

He continued his tirade, highlighting his compliance with the Government’s expectations.

“I have never organized any disobedience protest as I had been expected given the large following of the youth who have nothing to lose, yet I suffer while I have been compliant against the wish of the people of Uganda who desperately need the change, but you are not fulfilling your commitments to me,” he lamented, pointing out the paradox of his situation.

His frustration centered on the ideological contradictions between his supposed role in the alliance and the reality of his curtailed freedoms.

“It is you [General Saleh] with General Kayihura and General Muhoozi who introduced me to President Museveni, and now I am robbed of my freedom,” he yelled, emphasizing the toll the role has taken on him.

Bobi demanded resolution by General Saleh, making it clear that he may be forced to fight and reclaim his autonomy if conditions remained unmet until the election year of 2026.

“You have until 2026 to either keep me at your job, or I call it quits to regain my freedom. The Secretary General [Lewis Rubongoya] you gave me does not allow me to enjoy my freedom because he is always policing me even if I am at my own home I built out of my music money. When this Secretary General gets the support of the party treasurer [Benjamin Katana], it becomes compounded, guys control the money, and give orders the way they wish,” Bobi screamed.

General Saleh Reassures Bobi

In response, General Saleh reportedly reassured Bobi of their commitment to honor their financial agreement, blaming the current delays on the complexities of ongoing campaign activities which need to run concurrently with the running of the State.

He highlighted the unusual circumstances surrounding this election season, explaining that the decision was made not to print new money in a bid to control inflation.

Saleh further addressed Bobi’s concerns about security, attempting to instill confidence that measures were in place to prevent any threats to him

He indicated that General Muhoozi, who had previously launched a public attack on Bobi, had been reined in to reduce hostilities between the two friendly forces.

“You should continue with the impressive job of keeping the opposition players at the fence,” Saleh supposedly encouraged.

Ultimately, despite the heated discussions, Bobi Wine left the meeting feeling rejuvenated and ready to continue his campaign efforts in West Nile for week 8 campaign.

The exchange, while bathed in tension, concluded with a sense of renewed purpose for the NUP leader, indicating the volatile yet persistent nature of political alliances in Uganda’s complex environment.