Addressing the gathering, Bobi Wine emphasized that the behavior of those associated with the opposition movement, particularly bloggers who often act as the voice of the people, would significantly impact how the movement is perceived by the public. "We have a duty to be disciplined and show that discipline to the population. The way we conduct ourselves is certainly the way that people are going to interpret us," he said.
During the National Unity Platform (NUP) 2024 Convention in Chicago, party leader Bobi Wine issued a stern warning to opposition bloggers, urging them to exercise discipline in their online conduct. The convention, which opened on Friday, has attracted NUP leaders and supporters from across the United States, and Bobi Wine's remarks underscored the importance of maintaining a united and respectful front in the fight for change in Uganda.
Bobi Wine spoke at the NUP convention in Chicago last weekend
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Bobi Wine cautioned that while bloggers have the freedom to express their views, they must also recognize the responsibility that comes with that freedom.
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"They will judge us by our actions. This is the message I have been giving especially to our bloggers. We call them our bloggers, not necessarily because we control them, but because many of them speak for the people of Uganda," he explained.
The NUP leader highlighted the need for bloggers to avoid using vile language and engaging in personal attacks, which could undermine the movement's credibility and distract from its primary goals.
"You cannot expect to be free to use vile language without being questioned by anyone. Discipline means controlling your anger even when it gives you satisfaction to explode," he added.
Bobi Wine further stressed the importance of unity within the opposition, urging bloggers and other supporters to remain focused on the broader agenda of bringing about change in Uganda. "Discipline also means agreeing to move in the same lane with our colleagues and sticking to our agenda, which is Uganda, not constantly attacking those whom we think are our enemies," he said.
The NUP convention in Chicago has been a significant event for the Ugandan opposition in the diaspora, providing a platform for re-energizing the party and strategizing for the future. The convention was officially launched by Dr. Lina Zedriga, NUP's Vice President, who praised the Ugandan diasporans for their efforts in organizing the event. She described the convention as an opportunity to rethink the future of Uganda and strengthen the party's resolve.
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Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, also addressed the convention, commending the diaspora community for their ongoing advocacy efforts. He acknowledged the role they played in the imposition of sanctions by the United States and the United Kingdom on key Ugandan government officials involved in corruption and human rights abuses. "On the matter of advocacy, I want to appreciate you because there is work that you do that at times goes unnoticed," Ssenyonyi said. "The sanctions that were imposed on our thieves back in Uganda, this is all because of the work that you are doing."
The sanctions, which were imposed earlier this year, targeted several high-ranking Ugandan officials, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, for their involvement in corruption and extrajudicial killings. These measures have been a significant point of discussion at the convention, highlighting the impact of the diaspora's efforts on the global stage.
