Bobi Wine calls himself the “Museveni of the 1980s,” – reveals why he calls himself a rebel

• Bobi Wine calls himself the “Museveni of the 1980s,” highlighting his role as a political rebel in Uganda today.

• He emphasizes nonviolence, urging supporters to organize peacefully and protect their votes.

• He draws parallels with legal rebels like Uganda Law Society President Isaac Semakade to frame his movement as legitimate civic activism.

National Unity Platform (NUP) President Bobi Wine has described himself as the “Museveni of the 1980s,” explaining that, like the revolutionary leader then, he sees himself as a rebel—but one committed to nonviolence.

Speaking during last night’s presidential debate at Kampala Serena Hotel, Bobi Wine responded to a question from an aspiring Member of Parliament from Kampala Central, who referenced his recent remarks in Kawempe urging supporters to “go back home as rebels.”

“I called myself a rebel, much like Museveni was in the 1980s,” Bobi Wine said. “But for me and my team, this rebellion is political, not violent. We fight for our rights, for our people, but without bloodshed.”

He also referenced Uganda Law Society President Isaac Semakade, saying, “Just as Semakade calls himself a legal rebel, I am the political rebel of this generation.”

Bobi Wine urged his supporters to organize in their communities and protect their votes ahead of the January 15th, 2026 elections, but warned against violent actions. “Go and build your groups, your networks, but let them be peaceful. Our strength is in civic action, not in guns,” he added.

The NUP leader’s comparison to Museveni’s early revolutionary days is drawing attention as he positions himself as a determined but nonviolent force in Uganda’s political landscape.