Exiled lawyer and author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has predicted that several National Unity Platform (NUP) legislators could pressure party leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to return to Uganda ahead of the 2031 general elections.
In a statement, Kakwenza argued that the continued absence of the opposition leader was currently convenient for some NUP lawmakers, who continue to enjoy parliamentary salaries and privileges while facing fewer of the risks he associates with political opposition in Uganda.
He suggested that the legislators' attitude could change as the next election approaches, particularly if they begin to fear losing their parliamentary seats without Bobi Wine's direct involvement in their campaigns.
“As 2031 draws near, many NUP MPs will almost certainly start urging Bobi Wine to come home and campaign for them to win a political seat,” Kakwenza stated.
The lawyer claimed that Bobi Wine's exile had not prevented NUP lawmakers from benefiting from their positions in Parliament, even as the opposition leader remained away from the country.
He further argued that the political situation could become more complicated for the legislators as they seek re-election, given the influence Bobi Wine continues to wield among his supporters.
According to Kakwenza, candidates in constituencies where NUP enjoys considerable support could struggle to retain their seats without the party leader's presence or visible endorsement.
“Without him on the ground, or at least visibly backing candidates, many of those seats become much harder to hold,” he said.
Kakwenza suggested that calls for Bobi Wine to return could therefore intensify as the election approaches, with some lawmakers seeking to benefit from his popularity to strengthen their electoral prospects.
He described the apparent solidarity surrounding the opposition leader as potentially temporary, arguing that political interests could eventually influence how some party members approach his continued absence.
The lawyer also defended his relationship with Bobi Wine, maintaining that he remained a close friend because he was willing to challenge him with uncomfortable truths rather than offer praise.
“I still remain Bobi’s best friend because I tell him the truth while bum-lickers around him comfort him with lies,” Kakwenza said.
His remarks highlight questions about NUP's electoral strategy, the influence of its leader and the challenges the party could face in maintaining parliamentary representation ahead of Uganda's 2031 elections.
However, Kakwenza's claims about the intentions of NUP legislators were his own assessment, and the statement did not identify any lawmakers who had expressed plans to pressure Bobi Wine to return.