Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP) presidential candidate Frank Bulira Kabinga took a confrontational and unapologetic stance at the NTV Presidential Debate 2025, telling voters he was not on the national stage for show but to upend Uganda’s political order ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Arriving at the Serena Hotel to enthusiastic murmurs from the audience, Bulira opened with a fiery declaration: “I am not here to contest ceremoniously, but to deliver our opposition to the State House.”
He positioned himself as a candidate unwilling to participate in what he called “performative politics,” insisting that his campaign is rooted in a genuine effort to reshape the Ugandan state.
Museveni and the system of governance are the problem
Bulira identified what he views as the two fundamental issues holding Uganda back. “We have two main problems in our country: Museveni and the system of governance. Federalism is the way forward,” he asserted, calling for a complete restructuring of the political system.
He emphasised that Uganda cannot unlock its potential without adopting a federal system, which he argued would promote autonomy, accountability, and equitable development.
“We want a new Uganda under a federal system of governance,” he declared.
On political change and past opposition leaders
Bulira praised two figures he believes were historically capable of delivering transformative change: “Only two people were capable of bringing change to our country: Dr Aggrey Kiyingi and Dr Kizza Besigye.”
He dismissed the idea that current political dynamics should centre around crowd sizes or popularity, addressing a question on whether he would back Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
“I appreciate Bobi Wine for bringing the struggle to where it is,” he said. “But this struggle started in the 1960s with big crowds for Dr Ssemogerere, Dr Besigye. Crowds are important, but they must have a guided focus. In fact, I’d be the person Bobi Wine should rally behind because I’m the solution to this country’s problem.”
The opposition is now the problem
In one of his most controversial remarks, Bulira took aim at opposition politicians themselves. “We, the opposition, are now the problem. People are looking for IPOD money,” he said, accusing politicians of prioritising personal gain over removing President Museveni from power.
He argued that many have abandoned the struggle and instead seek parliamentary seats “for the money,” weakening the broader push for political transition.
Security reform and demilitarisation
Bulira also promised sweeping security reforms, accusing Uganda’s current structures of persecuting citizens rather than protecting them.
“We are going to demilitarise the police force. The Uganda Police Force will change to Uganda Police Services,” he said, pledging to build professional, community-centred security institutions.
On national identity and symbols
In a lighter but striking moment, Bulira proposed renaming Uganda’s only international airport.
He argued that “Entebbe” is meaningless and that the country should adopt a name that reflects a new national identity. He did not reveal a preferred name but said the discussion was necessary for Uganda’s rebirth.
Bulira’s comments were among the most talked-about moments of a debate watched live by 1,023,034 online viewers, as five candidates laid out their visions for Uganda’s future.
With bold statements and unapologetic critiques, Frank Bulira Kabinga carved out a distinct space in the 2026 presidential race — positioning himself not just as an alternative, but as a challenger determined to “deliver opposition to the State House.”
