When did A Pass declare Bobi Wine as his president?
Ugandan artist Alexander Bagonza, better known as A Pass, has reignited conversations about resistance, loyalty, and the future of Uganda’s leadership. On January 8, 2026, at 4 PM, A Pass took to his official X account (@IamApass) to declare Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as his president effective January 15, 2026—the date of Uganda’s upcoming general elections. This announcement comes amid heightened political tensions as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule, facing strong opposition from Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform (NUP).
A Pass’s post, which read “My President @HEBobiwine,” has gone viral, symbolizing a resurgence of celebrity-backed dissent against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). As a professional journalist covering East African politics for over a decade, I’ve delved into the archives, recent developments, and on-the-ground sentiments to provide a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal moment.
What Exactly Did A Pass Announce, and How Was It Received?
A Pass’s declaration was concise yet powerful: “My President @HEBobiwine.” Posted on January 8, 2026, at 4 PM EAT from his verified X account, the message quickly amassed thousands of likes, reposts, and replies. It was accompanied by hashtags like #LetsVote and #KyagulanyiForPresident, echoing calls for change ahead of the January 15 polls. This isn’t mere social media banter; it’s a direct endorsement of Bobi Wine, the former musician-turned-politician who has positioned himself as Museveni’s most formidable challenger.
The reception has been polarized. Supporters of Bobi Wine and the NUP hailed it as a courageous stand, with X users flooding the comments with red heart emojis—symbolizing the “paint the country red” movement associated with NUP’s push for a protest vote. Critics from the NRM camp dismissed it as opportunistic, accusing A Pass of stirring unrest. Within hours, the post sparked related discussions, including endorsements from other figures like Fik Fameica, who urged followers to vote for Bobi Wine.
NUP Updates amplified the news with an exclusive post: “Singer A PASS endorses Bobi Wine for President of Uganda,” complete with media visuals, garnering over 779 likes and widespread shares. This endorsement aligns with a broader wave of celebrity support for Bobi Wine, seen in posts from users like @Pliam_ and @OsunaTimot44124, who echoed the call to vote for him on January 15.
Who Is A Pass, and What Is His History of Political Activism?
Alexander Bagonza, stage name A Pass, is a prominent Ugandan singer, songwriter, and producer known for hits like “Wuuyo” and “Didadada.” Born in 1988, he rose to fame in the mid-2010s with his unique blend of reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat. A Pass also has a track record of political engagement, often using his platform to critique government policies.
His activism traces back to 2018, when he joined forces with Bobi Wine and journalist Raymond Mujuni to oppose the controversial social media tax. A Pass was among the first celebrities to publicly stand with Bobi Wine (then referred to as Kyagulanyi) during a time when dissent was risky. In recent interviews, A Pass has reiterated his loyalty to Bobi Wine, stating, “I have been a fan of Bobi Wine’s from day one, so I am biased. He is one of my biggest inspirations.”
He has criticized fellow artists for supporting the NRM out of financial incentives, emphasizing “legacy over currency.” This stance marks him as one of the few musicians who have resisted alignment with the ruling party, even after a period of relative silence.
What Was the Social Media Tax, and How Did A Pass and Others Oppose It?
Introduced on July 1, 2018, the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill imposed a daily tax of UGX 200 (about $0.05) on “Over The Top” (OTT) services, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President Museveni justified it as a means to curb “gossip” and generate revenue from foreign-owned platforms, but critics saw it as an assault on free speech, especially affecting low-income Ugandans where 27% live on less than $1.25 a day.
A Pass, alongside Bobi Wine and Raymond Mujuni, was at the forefront of opposition. Bobi Wine launched an online petition calling for the tax’s scrapping, describing it as oppressive. On July 11, 2018, they led a protest in Kampala, demanding a review. Young journalists like Mujuni expressed disappointment, labeling it a tool to oppress the masses. The trio’s united front—captured in photos and statements—highlighted celebrity influence in civic resistance. Bobi Wine faced charges for inciting the public, leading to his arrest in 2019.
How Did Ugandans Bypass the Tax, and What Were the Long-Term Effects?
Many Ugandans refused to pay, turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access platforms for free, effectively rendering the tax ineffective. Activists sued the government, arguing it violated rights to free expression. The tax was eventually reviewed and adjusted, but it set a precedent for digital restrictions.
By 2021, during elections, the government escalated: a near-total internet shutdown occurred, and social media was banned. WhatsApp’s ban was lifted, but Facebook remains inaccessible without VPNs as of 2026. Ironically, government institutions like the police and NRM continue posting on Facebook, despite Information Minister Judith Nabakooba declaring it illegal in 2021. This hypocrisy underscores the selective enforcement, with Museveni once boasting Uganda thrives without Facebook.
What Is the Togikwatako Campaign, and How Does It Relate to Current Politics?
Togikwatako, meaning “Don’t you dare touch it,” was a 2017 civil resistance movement against amending Article 102(b) of Uganda’s Constitution, which set a presidential age limit of 75. Launched post-2016 elections, it mobilized youths and opposition against Museveni’s bid to extend his rule. Protests spread nationwide, met with arrests and violence.
Despite opposition, Parliament voted in December 2017 to remove the limit, following the 2005 scrapping of term limits. Brawls erupted in Parliament, with Special Forces intervening. The Constitutional Court upheld it in 2018. This history fuels current skepticism toward Museveni’s 2026 bid, with A Pass’s endorsement evoking Togikwatako’s spirit of defiance.
Why Has A Pass Been Silent for Over Five Years, and What Prompted His Return?
After the 2018 protests, A Pass largely withdrew from overt political commentary, focusing on music. Sources suggest this silence stemmed from risks like arrests and intimidation faced by critics. In a December 2025 interview, he explained his reemergence: loyalty to Bobi Wine and frustration with money-driven endorsements. He hasn’t attended NUP rallies but maintains his support, criticizing regime-aligned artists.
What Is the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), and Why Did A Pass Refuse to Join?
The UNMF, founded in 2023 and led by Eddy Kenzo (a presidential adviser on creatives), aims to unite musicians but is criticized for NRM ties. It includes figures like Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool, who have met Museveni and produced pro-NRM music. In 2024, UNMF released an album celebrating Uganda’s resilience, involving Kenzo and Chameleone.
A Pass refused membership, viewing it as an NRM tool to co-opt artists and counter Bobi Wine’s influence. He has accused it of undermining independent promoters and prioritizing regime loyalty.
How Has Museveni Struggled to Rally Musicians Against Bobi Wine?
Since Bobi Wine’s rise in 2017, Museveni has courted musicians to prevent a “legion” forming around him. Through UNMF, he’s tipped artists on wealth creation and urged patriotic songs. However, figures like A Pass remain defiant, highlighting divisions in the industry. Museveni has dismissed Bobi Wine as a foreign agent, but grassroots support persists.
What Does A Pass’s Declaration Mean for the 2026 Elections?
This endorsement could galvanize youth voters, amplifying Bobi Wine’s message of change. Amid fears of internet restrictions—echoing 2021’s shutdowns—it underscores digital activism’s role. As polls approach, A Pass’s voice adds to calls for a fair vote.
In conclusion, let’s paint the country red with hope and action. #LetsVote #KyagulanyiForPresident. The future of Uganda hangs in the balance—will dissent prevail, or will history repeat?
