Tensions Rise as Bobi Wine, Abed Bwanika, and Mathias Mpuuga Clash at Burial

At the somber burial of Pasikali Ssekasamba, a respected NUP member and London-based businessman, emotions ran high as political tensions took center stage. Bobi Wine, flanked by his supporters, found himself in the midst of a charged confrontation with Kimanya-Kabonera Member of Parliament, Hon Abed Bwanika.

As Bwanika took to the podium to deliver his tribute, the atmosphere grew tense. In a bold move, he directed his words squarely at Bobi Wine and Party Spokesman Waiswa Mufumbiro, accusing them of condoning attacks against him and Hon Mathias Mpuuga on social media. The microphone was abruptly snatched from Bwanika's grasp, amplifying the already palpable tension.

Mourners, caught in the crossfire, erupted into shouts and jeers, prompting the master of ceremonies, Meddie Nsereko, to call upon Bobi Wine to quell the escalating conflict. In a bid to restore calm, Bobi Wine took the microphone, urging forgiveness for Bwanika's outburst.
“I want to apologise for Bwanika’s conduct. It is unfortunate and it doesn't paint a good picture for us,” he said.
“I am the president of the NUP and I am the one who took all these people to parliament. I ask that you understand him and forgive him.”

But deeper divisions within the NUP were exposed beneath the surface. The simmering divisions were highlighted by Bwanika's disapproval of the party leadership, especially in light of the charges made against Mpuuga and the claims that he had connections to foreign LGBTQ organizations.
Despite internal strife, Bobi Wine showed his willingness to make amends by forgiving Mpuuga for past transgressions during his speech. However, it was clear that he was frustrated by the internal conflict as he bemoaned the difficulties of fighting foreign enemies while juggling internal opposition.

“I have no issue with Mpuuga. He made a mistake and apologized and I forgave him,” he said.
"It is unfortunate that I am the one who has to correct these elders. I have a challenge that whenever I am fighting the enemy I have to use one hand, while the other hand is fighting my own people who are holding me back from fighting the enemy.” He added.

The clash at Pasikali Ssekasamba's funeral highlighted the complex dynamics within the NUP and Uganda's political landscape. While mourning the loss of a respected figure, the nation grappled with divisions that could threaten opposition unity.