By BigEyeUg Team
Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has advised opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to consider joining President Yoweri Museveni’s government in order to better implement his ideas and contribute to national development.
Balaam’s remarks come after Bobi Wine lost the presidential election for the second time to President Museveni, who was declared winner of the 2026 polls. Despite the defeat, Bobi Wine remains the leader of the opposition and a prominent figure in Uganda’s political and cultural landscape.
In a public message addressed to the NUP president, Balaam suggested that this moment presents an opportunity for Bobi Wine to integrate into the elected government and channel his ideas through official structures.
“Honourable Bobi Wine, my humble advice to you as one of Uganda’s music stars is to consider applying for a deployment in government and working alongside H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Balaam said. “You have the potential to make a meaningful impact on ghetto transformation, music, and the broader cultural landscape.”
Balaam further argued that Bobi Wine’s personal story of rising from humble beginnings makes him well suited to contribute to programmes targeting disadvantaged communities, particularly the ghetto youth who have long identified with his music and activism.
He encouraged Bobi Wine to directly engage President Museveni, whom he referred to as the “Father of the Nation” and the democratically elected leader for the 2026–2031 term.
Balaam also mentioned senior government figures, including the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Assignments and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as possible avenues for engagement.
In a controversial part of his message, Balaam suggested that Bobi Wine should step away from frontline politics altogether, arguing that his “true calling lies elsewhere.”
“Hon. Kyagulanyi, it’s time to move on from politics. Leave the political scene to the seasoned leader, Mzee Museveni,” Balaam added, mixing his statement with Luganda phrases calling on Bobi Wine to serve the country alongside the president.