Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, recounted a key moment that ushered him into the world of politics: an encounter with a security operative who pulled him from his car, slapped him, and declared that "this country has owners." He shared this experience at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in April 2022, emphasizing it as the reason for joining politics.
“I never planned to enter politics; I was largely indifferent to the political landscape until that humiliating incident forced me to confront my own awareness,” he stated.
The incident occurred at Club Silk, where a security officer slapped him while he was seated in his Escalade car. At that time, Bobi Wine was the hottest selling music star in town and known for his boxing skills and gangster lifestyle.
Initially furious, he thought about confronting the officer but was quickly subdued when the officer pointed a gun at his forehead as he stepped out of the car.
More slaps followed, and instead of retaliating, he asked why he was being assaulted. The officer coldly responded, questioning why Bobi was "showing off," and reiterated that the country had its owners.
It was only the intervention of club bouncers that saved him, as they explained to the officer that Bobi was unaware of his rank. Following their advice, he returned to his car and drove away.
After the incident
Bobi sat in silence with his friend Nubian Li on their way back to Kamwokya. As he reflected on the encounter, he was overwhelmed by thoughts of the injustices faced by many Ugandans.
He felt a deep sense of anger towards himself for having previously ignored the struggles of others while enjoying his own success.
“That incident reminded me of the daily humiliations many Ugandans endure. I couldn’t forgive myself for allowing my temporary comfort to blind me to the plight of my fellow citizens. From that day, I committed myself to social justice,” he recalled.
This transformative experience led him to become politically active. Initially, he connected with influential figures like Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Gen. Salim Saleh, but those relationships eventually fell apart.
Notably, he also declined an opportunity to join the Tubonga Nawe Project in 2015, marking a significant shift in his political journey.
