In a move that has set tongues wagging in political circles, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, held a private meeting with UPC president Hon. Jimmy Akena on Sunday morning at his Magere residence, often dubbed the “Magere State House.”
Sources indicate that the two leaders discussed a possible alliance ahead of the 2026 general elections, a development that has reportedly sent State House Nakasero into panic. Akena, who in recent months openly cut ties with President Museveni, is said to have threatened to challenge his rule in the next polls.
However, this emerging alliance presents a complicated dynamic. Akena’s wife, Hon. Betty Amongi, currently serves as Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Museveni’s government. A seasoned politician, Amongi has held various cabinet positions under the NRM government. Having gotten married to Jimmy Akena, who is the son of former and late President Dr Apollo Milton Obote, in 2014, Amongi is also the MP for Oyam South.
This leaves many wondering: Can Bobi Wine fully trust this partnership? With Akena’s inner circle still intertwined with the Museveni administration, it remains to be seen what this alliance will yield.
Uganda’s political landscape has seen several alliances over the years, with mixed outcomes. In 2016, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi attempted to unseat Museveni through the TDA (The Democratic Alliance), which ultimately failed to gain momentum. More recently, DP’s Norbert Mao surprised many by entering a cooperation deal with Museveni, leaving parts of the opposition fragmented.
With Bobi Wine and Akena now exploring a united front, political watchers are questioning whether this will finally deliver the broad opposition coalition that many Ugandans have long hoped for — or whether it will become another fragile alliance in Uganda’s turbulent political arena.
For now, both sides remain tight-lipped on the details, but one thing is clear: the battle lines for 2026 are already being drawn.
