Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has pledged government support for Nansubuga Annet, the widow of Yasin Kawuma, the former driver of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Kawuma was shot dead in Arua in August 2018 during a chaotic by-election campaign. During a meeting at her office in Kampala, Nabbanja expressed sympathy for Nansubuga’s struggles since losing her husband, promising that the government would purchase land and construct a house for her and her children.
Nansubuga, who currently lives in a rented muzigo (one-room house) in Lusanja, Wakiso District, narrated her ordeal to the Prime Minister. She explained that since Kawuma’s death, life has become extremely difficult, as he was the sole breadwinner of the family. “The past few years have been tough. I have struggled to provide for my children, pay rent, and cover school fees. We have knocked on many doors for support, but no one has helped us,” Nansubuga lamented.
She revealed that after Kawuma’s death, opposition leaders, particularly from NUP, made promises to support the family but had not fulfilled them. “Kawuma died while serving their cause, but up to now, no one has come to check on us. We feel abandoned,” she said.
In response, Nabbanja assured her that the government had heard her plight and was ready to assist. “The government will buy land and build a house for you and your children so that you can have a permanent home,” Nabbanja announced.
She further urged other political actors to take responsibility for the families of those who lose their lives while working for them. “It is heartbreaking to see widows and orphans suffering after their loved ones die in political struggles. Leaders must ensure that they do not abandon the people who sacrifice for them,” she said.
Kawuma was shot dead on August 13, 2018, in Arua during the by-election campaigns for opposition candidate Kasiano Wadri. The violence erupted after a group of people, allegedly supporters of Wadri, reportedly pelted stones at President Museveni’s convoy as he left Boma Grounds. In the chaos that followed, security forces fired live bullets, killing Kawuma, who was seated inside Kyagulanyi’s vehicle.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to the arrest and alleged torture of several opposition politicians, including Kyagulanyi, Wadri, and others. Despite repeated calls for justice, there has been little progress in investigations into Kawuma’s death. His widow continues to live in hardship, struggling to raise their children alone.
The Prime Minister’s gesture has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Some government supporters have applauded the move, saying it shows that the government cares for all Ugandans, regardless of their political affiliations. However, critics argue that Nabbanja’s intervention is politically motivated.
Some opposition members claim that the government is using the widow’s plight to score political points while ignoring the broader concerns of human rights and justice for victims of state violence. NUP officials have yet to comment on Nabbanja’s pledge, but supporters of Bobi Wine have taken to social media to defend the party, arguing that the responsibility to support Kawuma’s family should not fall solely on the opposition.
For Nansubuga and her children, Nabbanja’s promise offers a glimmer of hope after years of struggle. If fulfilled, it could provide them with a sense of stability and security. “I just want my children to have a home, to be safe, and to get an education.
That is all I ask for,” she said. As Uganda awaits the next steps from the Prime Minister’s office, many will be watching closely to see if this pledge is honored or if it becomes another unfulfilled promise in the country’s complex political landscape.
