Hundreds Gather as Bobi Wine and Wife Barbie Rally Ugandans in Mbarara, Amplifying Call for Regime Change

MBARARA, Uganda – The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, took his “A New Uganda” message to the heart of Ankole sub-region on Sunday, but this time, his campaign in Mbarara was amplified by a powerful presence at his side—his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi.

The couple addressed a charged crowd at the Mbarara High School playground, presenting a united front in their push for political change. While Bobi Wine delivered his trademark fiery critique of the government, Barbie’s presence added a distinct layer of moral authority and a call for familial solidarity.

Bobi Wine did not mince words, directly appealing to the citizens of a region often considered a stronghold for the ruling party. “We have asked our brothers and sisters from Ankole not to be swayed by the divisive rhetoric peddled by the regime and its enablers,” he declared. “We all have an equal stake in this country and we are all equally affected by the unfair policies, the poverty, and the lack of opportunities.”

He framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for all Ugandans, transcending ethnic and regional lines. “This struggle is not for the people of Kampala or the North alone. It is for every mother in Mbarara who cannot afford school fees, for every youth here who has no job despite having a degree. We are all suffering under the same system, and together, we can end it.”

Barbie Kyagulanyi, a respected advocate for children and families, took to the stage to address the crowd, focusing her message on the profound impact of governance on Ugandan households. She spoke not just as a politician’s wife, but as a mother and a citizen deeply concerned about the nation’s future.

“Our families are the foundation of this nation,” Barbie stated. “But when our children finish school and have no future, when the cost of living makes it impossible to put food on the table, that foundation is crumbling.” Her speech resonated with many in attendance, particularly women, who saw their daily struggles reflected in her words.

She appealed to the crowd’s sense of responsibility, urging them to make a choice for the sake of their children. “We are here to ask you to choose a future where our children can dream again. Where they can work and build their lives here in Uganda, without being forced to seek opportunities abroad. That new Uganda is possible, but it requires your courage.”

The joint appearance of Bobi and Barbie Kyagulanyi in Mbarara is seen as a strategic move to soften the party’s image, emphasize the broad-based nature of their struggle, and connect with voters on a more personal, familial level. Their united front serves to humanize the political struggle and frame the desire for change as a universal aspiration for a better life.

As the rally concluded with the chants of #PeoplePowerOurPower and #ANewUgandaNow, the message from the NUP leadership was clear: the push for change is a collective mission, one that involves every member of the family, from the grassroots supporter to the leader’s spouse. The campaign now moves to its next stop, with the momentum from Mbarara fueling its growing challenge to the political status quo.