Former Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has criticized National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, accusing him of building a political party centered on his personal popularity rather than developing it into a strong institution.Speaking during an appearance on NBS Television, Ssemujju argued that Bobi Wine’s emergence as a leading opposition figure was largely unexpected and driven by his widespread popularity among Ugandans.According to Ssemujju, while Bobi Wine commands significant public support and remains one of the country’s most recognizable political figures, popularity should not be equated with the managerial and organizational skills required to lead a political party or govern a nation.“He is popular, and there is no doubt about that, but popularity alone is different from managing a political organization or running a country,” Ssemujju said during the interview.The former legislator, who lost the Kira Municipality parliamentary seat to NUP’s George Musisi in the last election, expressed concern that the opposition party risks becoming overly dependent on its leader’s personal appeal.His remarks have sparked debate among political observers and supporters of the opposition party, many of whom point to NUP’s rapid growth since its formation as evidence of strong leadership and organizational capacity.Supporters of Bobi Wine argue that transforming a grassroots movement into one of Uganda’s most influential opposition forces required more than celebrity status. They credit the NUP leader with mobilizing supporters across the country, building party structures, and maintaining momentum despite political challenges.Since assuming leadership of NUP, Bobi Wine has overseen the party’s expansion nationwide, helping it secure significant representation in Parliament and local government while positioning it as the leading opposition force in Uganda.Political analysts note that debates over personality-driven politics versus institution-building are common in emerging political movements, particularly where charismatic leaders play a central role in attracting supporters.While critics argue that strong institutions should outlive individual leaders, supporters maintain that influential personalities can serve as catalysts for broader political change and organizational growth.Neither Bobi Wine nor the National Unity Platform had publicly responded to Ssemujju’s remarks at the time of publication.The comments come as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of future electoral contests, with questions of leadership, party structures, and succession likely to remain central topics in Uganda’s political discourse.The post Like It or Not, Bobi Wine’s Popularity Alone Can not Liberate Uganda – Ssemujju appeared first on The Insider.