Ugandan singer Ronald Mayinja has revealed details of a high-level political meeting he believes could have significantly altered the trajectory of Bobi Wine’s rise in politics.
Speaking about events leading up to the 2021 General Election, Mayinja said a small group met at Sheraton Kampala Hotel to advise Bobi Wine real name Robert Kyagulanyi to take a more gradual and strategic path to power.
According to Mayinja, he proposed that Bobi Wine skip the presidential race and instead contest for the Kampala Lord Mayor position, then held by Erias Lukwago.
He argued that the mayoral office would have provided a strong political foundation, allowing Kyagulanyi to build influence in the capital, gain administrative experience, and expand his national appeal.
“If we are serious about removing Museveni and not becoming political jokers, don’t contest for the presidency in 2021,” Mayinja recalled telling him.
Mayinja said the strategy would have allowed Bobi Wine to continue his music career while strengthening his political base both locally and internationally, before launching a more formidable presidential bid in 2026.
“In 2026 you would surprise everyone. Whoever saw you performing as a mayor would vote for you,” he said.
However, the proposal was reportedly met with resistance, with some accusing Mayinja of trying to discourage Bobi Wine’s ambitions.
Kyagulanyi later went on to contest against President Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 elections under the National Unity Platform ticket.
Mayinja also pointed to the financial strain of a nationwide presidential campaign, arguing that the race required significant resources for mobilization and publicity.
He further alleged that internal politics within the movement affected party processes, claiming that some positions were influenced by money.
“My brother Kyagulanyi sold my card for Gomba East and gave it to someone else,” Mayinja alleged.
The singer said he was left feeling sidelined after losing the chance to contest for the constituency, despite his early support for the movement.
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