The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, has come out in defense of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, following the opening of regional offices for the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Otafiire highlighted that no law prevents any registered political party from establishing offices across Uganda. He noted that Kyagulanyi, holding a valid license from the Electoral Commission, is fully within his rights to expand his party nationwide.
The comments followed the inauguration of NUP’s western regional office in Mbarara City, which came shortly after the party opened its eastern regional headquarters in Iganga District in August. The Iganga office was completed discreetly to avoid political interference, with land acquisition, construction, and branding finalized just hours before the commissioning.
Otafiire urged the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to stop criticizing NUP’s expansion and challenged party leaders to act instead of merely complaining. He pointed out that while NUP is actively growing, NRM should consider opening its own offices to strengthen its presence.
The minister reinforced that Kyagulanyi, as a licensed political party leader, has the legal authority to establish offices across the country, emphasizing that such actions comply fully with existing laws.
NUP stated that opening regional offices is part of a strategic plan to improve grassroots mobilization and organizational capacity. By doing so, the party aims to engage supporters more effectively and coordinate activities at a local level.
Political analysts note that regional offices allow parties to maintain visibility outside the capital, respond to local issues promptly, coordinate campaigns efficiently, and maintain closer ties with constituents.
With the 2026 elections approaching, NUP’s regional offices are expected to play a central role in mobilizing support. Otafiire’s remarks underline that registered political parties have the right to expand and organize legally, without interference or unwarranted criticism
