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Uganda From a background in music and acting, Bobi Wine has transitioned into a prominent Ugandan activist and political leader, advocating for social change and democratic reform.
In 2016, Bobi Wine's song 'Kiwani' was featured on the soundtrack for the Disney movie 'Queen of Katwe'.
In August 2013, Wine visited the Bundibugyo Refugee Camp with representatives from Save the Children, UNHCR, and the Red Cross, to deliver funds and supplies. In 2014, Wine was named as an ambassador for Save the Children's EVERY ONE campaign, joining a team of 14 Ugandan artists who recorded a special song and video about maternal and child health. Wine and his wife Barbara travelled to hospitals throughout Uganda, meeting with midwives and health workers to popularize the campaign. Save the Children also took him to other regions for the campaign, including Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement.
In September 2013, he was named as a parenting ambassador by Twaweza, an NGO that focuses on education and citizen engagement in East Africa; his message in this partnership was to promote responsible parenting among his Ugandan fans.
The documentary 'Bobi Wine: The People's President' premiered to a 10-minute standing ovation at the 2022 Venice Film Festival in September 2022, where it sold to National Geographic.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known professionally as Bobi Wine, was born on February 12, 1982, in Nkozi, Uganda. He grew up in the Kamwokya slum in Kampala. His early life involved a large family, with his mother serving as a midwife. Wine attended Kitante Hill School and Kololo Senior Secondary School before pursuing higher education at Makerere University, where he earned a diploma in Music, Dance, and Drama in 2003. He later obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Cavendish University in August 2024. His artistic career began in the early 2000s, adopting the stage name Bobi Wine, inspired by Bob Marley. His early singles, “Akagoma,” “Funtula,” and “Sunda,” quickly brought him success in the Ugandan music scene, characterized by a blend of kidandali, reggae, dancehall, and afrobeat, often carrying socially conscious messages.
Wine’s entertainment career expanded beyond music into film. He starred in several Ugandan movies, including “Yogera” (2010), “Situka” (2015), and “Divizionz.” He also had his own reality TV show, “The Ghetto President.” A significant part of his career has been dedicated to “edutainment,” using his music to convey educational and political messages, particularly addressing the concerns of Kampala’s underprivileged residents. This approach earned him the nickname “Ghetto President,” which laid the groundwork for his political career. His song “Kiwani” was featured in the Disney movie “Queen of Katwe” (2016).
In April 2017, Wine successfully ran for Member of Parliament for Kyadondo County East constituency, marking his formal entry into politics. His victory was notable, as he defeated established candidates from major political parties. He further solidified his political presence by endorsing successful candidates in various by-elections. In 2019, he announced his candidacy for the 2021 Ugandan presidential election, becoming the leader of the National Unity Platform political party. His political journey, including his presidential campaign, was chronicled in the Peabody Award-winning documentary “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” (2022), which was also nominated for an Oscar.
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