Bobi Wine rejects NBS ‘negotiations’ narrative, insists return to Uganda is his right -

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Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has dismissed reports suggesting he is engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Ugandan government to facilitate his return from abroad, questioning why his fundamental rights are being portrayed as a matter for bargaining.

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‎In a strongly worded response to a story published by Nile Post, a subsidiary of NBS Television, Kyagulanyi rejected claims that talks were ongoing to guarantee his safe return without prosecution following the disputed January 2026 general elections.

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‎“How can my rights and dignity be a subject of negotiation?” he asked, dismissing the report as part of what he described as a pattern of misinformation. He accused NBS of promoting “fake results” and “fake narratives,” insisting that his political stance is not criminal under Ugandan law.

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‎Kyagulanyi maintained that his return to Uganda is not contingent on any arrangement with the state. “My return to my home country is a right, and I will soon return to Uganda, and the regime can do whatever they want,” he said, striking a defiant tone.

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‎He further argued that challenging President Yoweri Museveni—including claiming electoral victory—is not a crime. “Standing against Museveni (and beating him) is only a crime in the eyes of NBS, not in the eyes of the law,” he added.

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‎The remarks come in response to a detailed report by journalist Canary Mugume, which cited unnamed security sources claiming that quiet but intensive negotiations had been underway between NUP officials and government representatives. The report suggested that the talks had already yielded outcomes, including the withdrawal of security personnel from Kyagulanyi’s residence in Magere.

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‎According to the same report, senior NUP figures such as David Lewis Rubongoya and Joel Ssenyonyi were allegedly part of the discussions, alongside Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare. However, some of the named individuals either denied knowledge of the talks or could not be reached for comment.

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‎The Nile Post story also linked the alleged negotiations to a series of developments, including the release on bail of several NUP officials and what analysts described as a gradual easing of political tensions following the January elections.

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‎Despite these claims, Kyagulanyi’s response signals a clear rejection of any suggestion that his return is being negotiated, framing the issue instead as one of constitutional rights and political freedom.

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‎He has been outside the country since shortly after the elections, citing security concerns, and continues to call for electoral justice and democratic reforms.

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‎His latest statement underscores the deepening divide between the opposition leader and state-aligned narratives, setting the stage for what could be a politically charged return to Uganda in the coming weeks.