• Uganda has many artists – both those known on the international and local scene. Some of these singers convey important messages through their songs, while others are simply full of beats and do not convey any useful message. Bobi Wine is among those artists whose songs have played very prudent, educative as well as entertaining role.

    Bobi Wine, whose christened name is Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi was born in 1982 in Mpigi district. He went to Makerere University in Kampala Uganda before starting his singing career in the 2000’s, with his debut song Kagoma, which put him in the limelight. Bobi Wine was previously part of the firebase crew which he later left, forming his own Ghetto Republic of Uganja.

    Having grown up in some of the most impoverished slums in Uganda, his songs often highlight the challenges faced by low-income young people in Uganda and often provide ideas for how they can work hard to alleviate their circumstances.

    He started a campaign to promote more regular cleaning of hospitals, regular hand cleaning, handwashing and garbage management so as to improve public health conditions. This has shown his great sense of humanity and the responsibility he holds as a citizen and stands in contrast to others who are in the position to help the needy but chose to sit back and look.

    Bobi Wine has donated funds to build pit latrines and has constructed a drainage channel in Kisenyi II, a Kampala slum. The new vision, a local newspaper in Uganda described Kisenyi II, to be characterized by filth, crowded shanty structures, lack of basic social facilities and poor sanitation. The newspaper quoted him explaining that  “I am doing this because these are my people and no matter where I go, this will always be my home."

    In addition to that, Bobi Wine has campaigned strongly for malaria prevention. Alongside a representative from Save the children and the Red Cross, he visited the Bundibugyo refugee camp in Rwenzori region in August 2013. He has also been appointed parenting ambassador by Twaweza, a non-government organization that focuses on education and citizen engagement in East Africa. Promoting responsible parenting among Ugandans was his message in this partnership. “Education is what will ultimately change the course of our country and as an artist and a father, I believe we can all make a difference in our children’s learning, ” said Bobi Wine

    In Africa, if at least fifty percent of artists became pragmatic and developed passion for their people, I surely tell you that our continent would rapidly move a step forward. Africa was blessed with adequate natural resources and a conducive climate that suits our skin complexion. Look at the massive beautiful lakes, rivers, and wetlands which are being drained by irresponsible citizens causing drought with its repercussions of famine, poverty, and death during severe conditions.

    On the other hand, however, Bobi Wine has had controversies. For example, he released the song “situka” which challenges Ugandans to do something about the injustice and corruption in their country. The song opens with the lines “when the going gets tough, the tough must get going, especially when our leaders have become misleaders and mentors have become tormentors, when freedom of expression and expression is met with suppression and oppression. “The video for the song show news footage of public protests and arrests of journalists and demonstrators. This followed the 2016 elections.

    In conclusion, to my fellow countrymen, let us be focused, work hard with determination, dedication, and discipline for the betterment of our continent. We can all bring change through our various gifts. Yes, we can!. Let not our continent be known just as Africa, but “super Africa.”