In the ever-theatrical world of Ugandan politics, few performances have matched the sheer absurdity of Bobi Wine’s latest act: offering “protection” to President Yoweri Museveni in exchange for a peaceful handover of power. It’s a gesture so misplaced, it could be mistaken for satire—except it’s real, and it’s being peddled as serious political strategy.

Let’s unpack this.

Museveni, the man who led a five-year bush war to liberate Uganda from tyranny, is now being asked to surrender power as though his journey was a casual stroll through Luweero. Bobi Wine’s offer, wrapped in the language of reconciliation, sounds less like diplomacy and more like a child offering to babysit a lion. The President’s grip on power is not just firm—it’s fortified. He commands the loyalty of the army, enjoys a comfortable majority in Parliament, and has just swept youth elections with the kind of dominance that makes opposition dreams look like bedtime stories.

Meanwhile, Bobi Wine’s own political house is in disarray. His party, NUP, has become a revolving door of missteps and miscalculations. From kissing the grave of Milton Obote—the very man who dismantled Buganda’s monarchy—to purging seasoned allies like Mathias Mpuuga and Medard Ssegona in favor of social media influencers and political novices, the NUP ship is not just drifting—it’s taking on water.

And let’s talk about his manifesto. National security? Nowhere to be found. Economic policy? Vague. Governance strategy? A patchwork of slogans. Yet here he is, offering “security” to a man whose government has built one of the most disciplined armies on the continent. It’s like a man with no umbrella offering shelter to someone sitting comfortably in a bulletproof limousine.

The irony is thicker than a Rolex at Wandegeya.

Instead of organizing, mobilizing, and preparing to defeat Museveni at the ballot—like any serious contender would—Bobi Wine is drafting imaginary exit packages and forgiveness pamphlets. If he truly believes in democracy, why not meet Museveni at the ballot with ideas, not ultimatums? Why not fight for power the way Museveni did—through grit, sacrifice, and the will of the people—instead of asking to be handed the keys to State House like a birthday gift?

Because in Uganda’s political arena, power is earned, not gifted. And history has no patience for shortcuts. In case anyone wants power, let them wear their gloves and prepare for the 

Museveni isn’t looking for mercy. He’s looking for a mandate. And judging by the current momentum, he’s well on his way to getting it. In fact,  it’s Bobi Wine who should be looking for favors from the President. We have all seen how his NUP party has been embarrassed publicly while crawling toward the IPOD table to receive funds to run his campaigns besides an exorbitant lifestyle. 

The writer is the Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Nyendo Mukungwe.