Bobi Wine Vows to Uproot Rot in Security Forces: “They Beat Us Because They’re Hungry — That Ends With Us And I Will Give Them Shs 1M Salary

Ugandan opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, has come out swinging — promising to completely overhaul the country’s broken security apparatus.

In a fiery speech delivered in Namutumba, eastern Uganda, Kyagulanyi declared that under his leadership, Uganda will be rebuilt on the pillars of justice and equity, where even the men and women in uniform will serve with pride — not fear, frustration, or hunger.

“Don’t lose hope,” Kyagulanyi told an electrified crowd that roared in approval.

Then came the bombshell.

“Security operatives are not our enemies and I can authoritatively tell you that in 2021 we won in all barracks,” he said defiantly, adding, “Under my administration, police and soldiers will earn a minimum salary of Shs1 million.”

It’s a bold promise — and a direct challenge to a regime that has kept Uganda’s security forces underpaid and overstretched. Currently, ordinary soldiers earn just over Shs 600,000, and while the UPDF has floated plans to increase that figure, little has changed. Police Constables have seen a minor bump — from 483,744 to 559,972 shillings — hardly enough to lift them out of poverty.

Kyagulanyi didn’t mince his words when linking this systemic neglect to the state brutality witnessed on Uganda’s streets.

“These people sometimes beat us during demonstrations because they are hungry and stressed,” he told the crowd.
“They deserve better in the new Uganda. We are truthful in our call for change.”

This wasn’t a plea — it was a warning shot to the political elite. Bobi Wine made it clear: the era of exploiting security forces while using them as tools of oppression is coming to an end.

Cracks in the Regime: NRM Defections Rock Namutumba

If Namutumba was any indication, the ground beneath the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is starting to shake. Several of its members defected live at the rally, choosing to join the NUP — a growing sign of internal frustration and crumbling confidence in the party’s leadership.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya didn’t hold back.

“They were tired of being chauffeured in an old bus without tyres or windows,” he said, drawing loud laughter from the crowd.
“They also realized that even the driver of the bus (NRM) had lost direction.”

The rally erupted with chants of “People Power, Our Power,” as the crowd — once divided by party colors — united behind a call for national transformation.

From Protest to Power

Bobi Wine’s message in Namutumba was a turning point. He’s not just campaigning — he’s laying down a blueprint for a government that recognizes the humanity of every Ugandan, from the protester in the street to the soldier in the barracks.

“Our Uganda will be one of justice and equity, a Uganda where even uniformed officers are proud of the country they defend,” he said with resolve.

This is more than politics. It’s a rebellion against decades of corruption, manipulation, and divide-and-rule tactics. Kyagulanyi is not just challenging President Museveni’s grip on power — he’s calling for a complete reset of the system.

And if his words — and the defections from within NRM ranks — are any indication, the winds of change are no longer just blowing.

They’re storming.