In a recent public address, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni made headlines by accusing Kenyan Embakasi east MP, Babu Owino of allegedly supporting opposition groups in Uganda.
This unexpected claim surfaced during an event where Museveni was endorsing Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of African Union Commission chairperson on Tue 27th Aug.
Museveni, who has been at the helm of Ugandan politics for over 38 years, asserted that he receives regular intelligence reports that indicate Babu Owino’s involvement with anti-government activists in Uganda.
Museveni stated,
Babu Owino, the MP for Embakasi East in Nairobi, is known for his vocal support of Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Babu has been an ardent advocate for Bobi Wine’s “People Power” movement, which has gained significant traction among Ugandans seeking political change.
This movement has positioned Bobi Wine as a formidable challenger to Museveni’s long-standing rule, making Owino’s support particularly contentious.
The allegations from Museveni come at a time of heightened political tensions in both Uganda and Kenya.
In Uganda, the political climate has been increasingly fraught, especially with the approach of the 2026 elections, where Museveni faces the prospect of a strong challenge from opposition figures like Bobi Wine.
Owino has not yet publicly responded to Museveni’s accusations, but the implications of such claims could have significant repercussions for diplomatic relations between Kenya and Uganda.
As the political climate evolves, both countries will be watching closely to see how these allegations impact their respective political arenas and regional relations.