“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
One meeting. One conversation. A lasting touch and a lifetime transformation.
Sometimes it takes just the right energy, the right connection, just that right synchronization of two like-minds to ultimately transform and bring out a much desired revolution.
“I was an errant young man, but when I met my wife, hey, it was so much transformation.” – Bobi Wine.
Today Bobi Wine is referred to as Uganda’s Ghetto President.
From a predestined meeting in 2000, when Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, a then student of Makerere University met his future wife, Barbara Itungo, a S6 student at Bweranyangi Girls’ Senior Secondary School, fate had it all mapped out, the duo would make an unstoppable pair, each powerful, but together? Pure fire! Together they would merge forces, setting out to clinch the presidential title under the platform of the National Union Platform (NUP) to bring about an end to dictatorship in the East African country.
Although the task would prove daunting with opposition towing the intimidation line: vote rigging, removal of Bobi’s trusted long time security, arrest of Bobi Wine, firing teargas and live bullets to disperse people protesting against the arrest, gross harassment of Barbie even in the presence of her son, going as far as surrounding of the couple’s home, placing them on house arrest and denying them of basic necessities, connection with the media and party officials, suspension of internet access and social networks, all in a bid to silence voices against Thursday’s result, which declared President Yoweri Museveni won an unprecedented sixth term in office: re-elected with 58.64% of the vote, while rival opponent Bobi Wine, won 34.83% of the vote.
Bobi dubbed the whole election as a “compete sham” accusing the opposition of vote rigging and calling on citizens to reject the result, it’s no doubt been a deeply troubling times for Uganda
Although the unpleasant cycle would seemingly continue, singer turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his ever strong support Barbara ‘Barbie’ Itungo in no small measure did fight a good fight, stirring hardened minds, making the voice of the people heard and ultimately stamping and unforgettable message loud and clear. In a long overdue deafening call for CHANGE.
Trip Down Memory Lane:
For a whole 35 years, Ugandans have known just one President,
Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, 76, who came to power in 1986 after successfully ousting the military regime of General Tito Okello. Museveni staged rebellions that toppled Ugandan leaders Idi Amin and Milton Obote before he captured the reigns of power.
An Ardent Force of Sustainable Growth and Development: Although credited with immense contributions and lasting legacies, having registered multiple successes in the Ugandan nation as reflected in various spheres; politically, socially and economically, such as boosting security, energy, and tourism, introducing free primary education, inclusive, his regime has equally been deviled by less than flattering baggages.
An Unapologetic Tyrant: President,
Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni’s governance has been played with corruption; financial misappropriation, embezzlement, bribery, influence peddling, misuse of office as well as intimidation, silencing opposing voices, media inclusive, topped with buying loyal supporters of government in the judiciary.
A Saviour Intoxicated With Power: From revered freedom fighter to an unwelcome guest, unashamedly clinging to throne with pure intent to bask in the accompanying glory for life in a deeply saddening move of entitlement as the world watches in utmost bewilderment.
His present actions decries his message passed in time past as a
freedom fighter, avidly decrying long-term presidents overstaying their time and even counting it a grave insult upon being asked if he was going to tow that same line and overstay his rule. He at least plans to rule for five more and seizes every golden opportunity to prove himself physically and mentally fit, arguing his long experience makes him a good leader, adding he isn’t done reaping his bountiful harvest aka “leaving his mark.”
In a rally in January, the driven veteran was quoted as saying:
“This old man who has saved the country, how do you want him to go?” he said.
“How can I go out of a banana plantation I have planted that has started bearing fruits?”
It would take just two people to stage a change in the dynamics of things, Ugandan Pop idol turned foremost politician, People Power leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu stage name Bobi Wine and wife Barbie itungo Kyagulanyi, author, self-motivated speaker, philanthropist, girl child activist in charge of One Love Beach and the Chief Executive Officer of Caring Hearts in Uganda.
Non profit organisation Caring Hearts, formed in 2013 by Barbie Kyagulanyi is geared towards the promotion and enhancement of the quality of youth through sustainable development, lifelong education and enhancing entrepreneurial skills.
Itungo Kyagulanyi following her love for activism and desire to touch lives pursued a course Social Works and Social Administration (SWASA), course to enable her have the right tools to impact her world. Today, she is well known for her immense contribution and has now become a popular role model for many mothers, teenagers and young women. The inspiring spirited Itungo has been applauded globally for standing unintimidated even in the face of death for the Uganda of her dreams. She has been that unstoppable force cheering her husband on on his quest to create a new Uganda.
Born September 7, 1985, Barbie itungo Kyagulanyi grew up at Rugarama Sub County in Kyempene, in the southwest part of Uganda, district of Ntugamo. She married Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu in 2011 and has everly been a strong pillar of support to him ever since. The pair is blessed with four children. Solomon Kampala Nyanzi, Shalom Namagembe, Shadraq Shilling Mbogo, and Suubi Shine Nakaayi.
Bobi has never been one to shy away from voicing his admiration for his better half and has always been vocal about the unquantifiable role Barbie plays in molding him to the man he is today.
Echoes of his tribute to her during her 35th birthday reads:
“Dear Barbie, there’s no greater blessing I have got in life than having you as my best friend, wife, and mother of my children. There’s no better feeling than being in love with you. Where would I be without you? What a woman! I celebrate the day you were born. May the almighty keep you happy and smiling for the longest time. Happy birthday dear #FirstLady. I love you so much and you know it.”
