Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, a key figure in Uganda’s opposition politics and elder brother to Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has publicly rebuked his own son for appearing in photos with President Yoweri Museveni.
The images, which went viral online, show Churchill James Ssentamu—Makerere University’s 91st Guild President—standing beside President Museveni during the launch of the university’s Research and Innovation Week on Tuesday.
The photos stirred a storm on social media, prompting emotional reactions from supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party.
In a video now circulating widely, Fred Nyanzi didn’t mince words.
“I have seen the pictures of my son Churchill Ssentamu with Museveni. That is a betrayal to Ugandans,” Nyanzi said. “You need to come out and apologize to the people.”
Nyanzi didn’t stop at disappointment. He accused the President of being a direct threat to the Ssentamu family, citing past attempts on their lives.
“The man you were seen with tried to kill me just two months ago,” he said. “His hands are bloodstained. You also know he tried to kill your uncle, Kyagulanyi. Please avoid him.”
Nyanzi believes the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) deliberately staged the encounter. According to him, the image was crafted to score cheap political points.
“Museveni has always longed to use someone from the Ssentamu family for political gain. Now he has those pictures, but they won’t help him,” Nyanzi asserted.
If Chairman Nyanzi has any shame Left, he should resign. Throwing your son under the bus to sanitise your hypocrisy and double standards is too shameful.
— The good gal 💥😍 ❤️🍷 (@Pliam_) April 9, 2025
You have failed as a leader and as father 🚮 pic.twitter.com/C7B6KzTCHd
Despite Churchill running as an independent in the guild race, his father reminded him of his family’s values and the weight of public expectation.
“You may have contested independently, but you’re still our son. The world expects better from you,” Nyanzi said.
He even suggested that Churchill step down if the pressure becomes unbearable.
“If this puts you in a difficult place, resign. Focus on your studies and avoid more disappointment to Ugandans,” he advised.
President Museveni was the chief guest at the Makerere University Innovation Week where the photos were taken. While some praised Churchill for diplomacy, others saw the meeting as a betrayal of the struggle against the current regime.
As of now, Churchill has not issued a public response to his father’s statement. The silence only adds fuel to a story that has already ignited national debate.
