Charles Peter Mayiga, Buganda Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Katikkiro), has responded to claims by National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine that he is barred from Buganda’s media houses, CBS FM and BBS TV, due to political interference. Mayiga emphasized that Bobi Wine has previously appeared on both stations but cannot be hosted “every other time,” pointing to broader media trends where other stations like NBS TV have also limited his appearances.
Mayiga questioned the selective focus on CBS and BBS, noting that youth-centric stations such as Capital FM, Sanyu FM, and Galaxy FM have similarly not hosted Bobi Wine. He highlighted that NUP members, including Vice President for Buganda Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, regularly feature on BBS TV, countering claims of systemic exclusion. The remarks follow a contentious 2020 CBS FM appearance where Bobi Wine’s inflammatory comments about President Museveni and heavy security presence led to a station-wide decision to avoid future invitations.
The 2020 incident, described by presenter Meddie Nsereko as “intense,” saw hundreds of supporters accompany Bobi Wine to CBS FM, prompting fears of a government shutdown. While BBS TV recently aired a docu-series about him, CBS has maintained its stance since the 2020 episode. Mayiga also referenced CBS FM’s 2009 license revocation over incitement during Kabaka riots, underscoring the station’s vulnerability to state sanctions.
Bobi Wine’s allegations of Museveni-directed censorship align with his broader claims of media suppression, including radio bans in western Uganda and blocked concerts. However, Mayiga’s rebuttal frames the issue as editorial discretion rather than political coercion