Bobi Wine Calls for Prayers for Political Prisoners as Lent and Ramadan Begin
By skika Reporter
Former Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called on Ugandans to dedicate the Lenten season to prayer, compassion, and solidarity with political prisoners and other vulnerable citizens as it coincides with the start of Ramadan.
The former National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate urged Christians to use the 40-day period of fasting and reflection to remember those he says are suffering due to political persecution.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Kyagulanyi invoked the teachings of Pope John Paul II, reminding Christians that Lent is a time of “intense prayer, fasting, and concern for those in need.”
“May we, in Uganda, dedicate this Lent period to praying for and supporting those who are suffering in the flesh, more so the political prisoners, those who have been forcefully disappeared, those who have been orphaned, as well as those who are in exile. May we extend prayers and kindness to them in this season. A blessed, reflective Lent to all Christians,” he wrote.
Kyagulanyi shared the message alongside an image of NUP Vice-President for Northern Uganda, Lina Zedriga, who is currently detained at Luzira Women’s Prison.
His appeal comes as the Christian season of Lent begins almost simultaneously with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan — a rare convergence not seen in nearly three decades.
Ramadan, observed according to the Islamic lunar calendar, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, with Muslims fasting daily from dawn to sunset and dedicating the period to prayer, reflection, charity, and spiritual renewal.
Similarly, Lent marks a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, repentance, and preparation for Easter among Christians.
Meanwhile, the People’s Front for Freedom is organising a prayer session for veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has reportedly spent more than a year in detention without trial, scheduled for February 23.
Kyagulanyi’s message also comes in the aftermath of the January 15, 2026 general elections. He publicly rejected the results, alleging ballot stuffing and claiming that the Electoral Commission announced results without presenting the mandatory Declaration of Results (DR) forms.
He has not publicly provided evidence to substantiate these claims.
On January 16, 2026, Kyagulanyi reportedly left his Magere residence and went into hiding, citing a military raid and concerns for his safety.
Since then, he has continued issuing updates via social media, maintaining that state security agencies are targeting him — allegations the government has repeatedly denied.
He has also stated that he will not challenge the election results in court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary. Instead, he has urged his supporters to engage in peaceful street protests to express dissatisfaction with the electoral process.
