The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, has defended opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, over the establishment of regional offices for the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Otafiire highlighted that no law prevents a registered political party from opening offices across Uganda. He emphasized that Kyagulanyi, holding a valid license from the Electoral Commission, has every legal right to expand his party nationwide.
His remarks followed the recent opening of NUP’s western regional office in Mbarara City, shortly after the commissioning of the eastern regional headquarters in Iganga District in August. The Iganga office had been completed quietly to avoid political harassment, with land acquisition, construction, and branding finalized just hours before the ceremony.
The minister stated that the expansion is fully lawful and urged the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to stop complaining. He challenged NRM leaders, pointing out that while they criticize Kyagulanyi, they have not taken similar steps to strengthen their own presence.
Otafiire reiterated that Bobi Wine has a legal license to operate a political party and establish regional offices across the country, making NUP’s expansion completely legitimate.
NUP explained that opening regional offices is part of its strategy to boost grassroots mobilization and improve organizational capacity. The offices will enable the party to engage communities effectively and coordinate activities nationwide.
Analysts note that regional offices allow political parties to maintain a strong presence outside Kampala, respond to local issues promptly, coordinate campaigns efficiently, and remain closely connected to constituents.
With the 2026 elections approaching, NUP’s regional expansion is expected to play a key role in mobilizing supporters. Otafiire’s remarks reaffirm that registered political parties in Uganda have the right to organize and expand legally without interference or unnecessary criticism.
