KAMPALA — Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, has dropped one of the most daring political promises ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections — to shrink the country’s bloated government and redirect billions back to struggling citizens.
Unveiling the National Unity Platform (NUP) manifesto for 2026–2031, the musician-turned-politician didn’t mince words, accusing President Yoweri Museveni’s regime of fostering “wasteful spending, reckless borrowing, and a culture of corruption” while ordinary Ugandans sink deeper into poverty.
“The time has come for leaders to serve, not enrich themselves. We will lead by example through austerity and transparency so every Ugandan sees their taxes at work,” Bobi Wine declared.
Cutting Down Government Fat
Uganda currently has 529 Members of Parliament, one of the largest legislatures in Africa relative to population size. Lawmakers are also among the continent’s best-paid politicians, enjoying perks that many Ugandans say are disconnected from reality.
Bobi Wine says enough is enough. Under his leadership, NUP promises to:
- Slash cabinet positions to just 20 ministers
- Shrink the size of parliament
- Abolish redundant political appointments, including Resident District Commissioners and deputies
“With 529 MPs, Uganda’s parliament is excessively large, costly and unproductive,” the manifesto bluntly states.
Extravagance vs. Struggling Citizens
Every five years, MPs receive brand new car allowances, whether they’re re-elected or not. NUP calls this practice “extravagant and unsustainable,” especially when millions of Ugandans live on less than a dollar a day.
Bobi Wine pledged to:
- Cap government vehicle fleets
- Scrap ministers’ convoys
- Cut salaries and perks for top officials to levels “affordable for the nation”
The savings, he argues, would be pumped back into healthcare, education, social protection, and clean water — services that continue to lag while Uganda’s elite enjoy luxury lifestyles.
The Debt Crisis
Uganda’s public debt has spiraled to 116 trillion shillings ($30 billion) — more than 50% of the country’s GDP.
Servicing this debt consumes over a third of Uganda’s domestic revenue, leaving little room for development projects.
“This trajectory risks pushing Uganda into debt distress,” NUP warns.
Lavish Spending at State House
The manifesto points to what it calls “lavish governance” at the heart of Museveni’s presidency:
- A fleet of more than 600 vehicles controlled by State House
- Over 80 presidential advisors
- 142 Resident District Commissioners
- Nearly 1,000 domestic staff at the president’s residence
Meanwhile, the entire country has only 178 ambulances in public hospitals.
“This imbalance is not just mismanagement — it’s injustice,” an NUP official told TPR.
Uganda’s Harsh Realities
While Museveni’s government maintains tight control of power, the social and economic numbers paint a grim picture:
- 7.3 million Ugandans live below the poverty line, surviving on less than $1 a day
- Youth unemployment stands above 50%
- Public hospitals and schools struggle with underfunding while political elites expand their budgets
Bobi Wine says these contradictions fuel the NUP’s call for radical austerity and budget discipline.
A Different Kind of Leadership
The NUP manifesto brands itself as a break from the past: a promise of fiscal discipline, transparency, and people-first governance.
“Uganda has been captured by leaders enriching themselves while leaving citizens behind,” Bobi Wine said during the unveiling. “We will restore budget credibility, cut waste, and ensure resources go where they are needed most.”
Why This Matters for 2026
This is not the first time Bobi Wine has clashed with Museveni’s administration over corruption and excess. But with the 2026 elections looming, the NUP’s radical proposal to slash cabinet and parliament could become a defining campaign battle.
Political analysts say the move resonates with Ugandans frustrated by years of unchecked government extravagance. But skeptics question whether such sweeping reforms are feasible in a system deeply entrenched with patronage and political deals.
Still, Bobi Wine’s gamble is clear: if voters want change, they must embrace bold measures.
👉 Do you think Bobi Wine’s promise to cut cabinet and MPs is realistic — or just campaign talk? Drop your thoughts in the comments and keep following The Pop Radar (TPR) for more 2026 election scoops.
