Bobi Wine Promises Free Education, Better Pay for Teachers During Busia Campaign

The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, drew thousands of supporters during his campaign tour in Busia District on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Kyagulanyi began the day from Gold Star Hotel in Busia Municipality, where he had spent the night, before setting off for a series of campaign rallies across the district.

In a video posted on his social media platforms, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the hotel on Friday morning, chanting party slogans. The candidate appeared on the balcony and waved to the cheering crowd.

He was accompanied by several senior NUP officials, including Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, the party’s Vice President for the Northern Region; Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, Vice President for the Eastern Region; Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and MP for Nakawa West; David Lewis Rubongoya, the Party Secretary General; and several parliamentary aspirants from Busia District.

The NUP presidential candidate addressed supporters at three venues: Mayombe Primary School playground in Dabani Subcounty, Butangasi Primary School grounds in Masaba Subcounty, and Lumuli Primary School playground in Busime Subcounty.

In his address, Kyagulanyi began with a moment of silence for the late Raila Odinga, the former Kenyan presidential candidate. He then outlined his campaign promises, pledging to improve teachers’ salaries, provide free education and learning materials, and ensure that all schoolchildren receive free meals.

He criticised the government over what he described as the “exploitation of Busia’s natural resources,” particularly gold mining. He alleged that Wagagai Gold Mining Company was taking advantage of Busia’s vast gold deposits, estimated at trillions of dollars in value, without local communities benefiting. He vowed to review such contracts if elected president.

Kyagulanyi also accused the government of mismanaging customs revenue at the Busia border, claiming that billions of shillings in daily tax collections were being lost through corruption. He pledged to use such funds to develop infrastructure, including roads, across the country.

The NUP leader further decried what he called “tribal imbalance” in public offices and the military, promising inclusive leadership that reflects Uganda’s diversity. He said he would ensure equitable employment at Busia Customs and within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

On security and governance, Kyagulanyi told supporters that “people power” would prevail over what he called a small ruling elite. He urged his supporters to vote massively, protect their vote, and remain vigilant until results are declared.

He also encouraged citizens to fly the Ugandan flag in their homes as a symbol of hope and unity.

The campaign, which concluded at around 5:18 p.m., was briefly disrupted by rainfall but ended peacefully.