In a surprising move, State Minister for Youth and renowned events promoter Balaam Barugahara has extended an olive branch to opposition leader Bobi Wine and his family, inviting them to join in the birthday celebrations of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The event, which promises to be a grand affair, will take place in Nakaseke District, although the exact date remains undisclosed.
Balaam’s invitation is not limited to Bobi Wine and his family alone; he has also warmly invited the entire National Unity Platform (NUP) fraternity to join in the festivities. This includes notable figures such as Chairman Nyanzi, Eddie Yawe, Mike Wine, NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya, and spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, among others.
In an interview with a local television station, Balaam emphasized that the event is not just a celebration of President Museveni’s 80th birthday, but also a tribute to the peace and development that Uganda has enjoyed under his leadership. “We want to celebrate the peace that has enabled Ugandans to build beaches, have successful music careers, and sponsor their children’s education abroad,” he remarked.
As the organizer of the event, Balaam is pulling out all the stops to ensure a memorable and inclusive celebration. By inviting the opposition, he hopes to foster a sense of unity and national cohesion, even if only for a day. Whether Bobi Wine and the NUP will accept the invitation remains to be seen, but Balaam’s gesture is undoubtedly a significant step towards bridging the political divide in Uganda.