By Mohammed Kimbugwe

Dear Bobi Wine,

I don't know what the next few days hold for you but when those after me ask if anyone from my generation inspired me, I will point at you!

I was alive in November 2013, when you partnered with Mr.G to organise a charity concert unlike any other before or after it. A project so Sui Generis, for a cause so transformational and results so far-reaching, you earned a place in the very corner where magnum opus and trailblazing achievements are delicately stored. Tonnes of donations for landslide victims in Bududa (Eatern Uganda) and floods victims in Kasese were realised. As truck after truckload of donations drove from Lugogo to Eastern and Western Uganda, it was made clear that you were a man with unique abilities.

Tens of thousands of Ugandans from all walks of life and of all shades and political beliefs - rich and poor, young and old, came together for the sole aim of making a contribution towards fellow Ugandans that needed a hand, thanks to your vision. As people walked in with kilos of sugar, bars of soap and everything one could afford, that day was a clear exhibition that with visionary leadership and greatness of purpose, smallness of means wouldn't limit ordinary people from making extraordinary contributions for the betterment of society.

In addition to proving yourself as a visionary leader, that project also exposed you as a shrewed mobilisor, capable of rallying the masses behind transformational causes. Who knew that people, in their tens of thousands would be responsive to a venture such as that? How easy would it be, for one to rally such numbers behind a cause, without investing hefty sums in mobilising and transporting them? Well, you did it! A task so humongous, you made it seem so simple. A man capable of doing such a thing is a gem indeed!

Since time immemorial, no quality has been as scarce among leaders as the ability to unite the led! If a leader has a unifying element about them and almost effortlessly unites the masses, I treasure him. You are such a leader and the charity concert proved that. It didn't matter that day, which political party one belonged to. All became one in the name of lending a hand to fellow Ugandans. You created a bond so strong among people so different. 

On that day, you used music as a tool for socio-economic transformation, a tool for mobilisation, a tool for unity and a tool for visionary leadership. That was and still isn't shocking, given that you have always known the power of music in transforming societies and that charity concert was premised on a culture of looking out for the common man and using music for socio-economic transformation, that spans over a decade. From the people, for the people, yours has been a journey unlike any other.   

A People's Campaign.

Not so long ago, you shocked sceptics and admirers alike with a landslide victory to Parliament, thanks to your bond with the ordinary Ugandan. You and the ordinary Ugandan have been inseparable over the years and this probably has something to do with your own humble background and the struggles you've had to go through to get where you are.

From an emblematic slum inhabitant that writhed to attain life’s most basic needs, you are now a celebrated singer, entrepreneur, part-time actor, husband and father. You are also a visionary leader that has rallied society around transformational causes over the years, yet all that did not come on a silver platter.

A Voice For The Voiceless

Your ability to breathe life into the People Power Movement speaks volumes about your ability to amplify the voices of the voiceless. A skill that is as old as your music career! You have always come out to drive serious points home using music and a number of your songs have turned into socio-economic and political anthems! In addition to being involved in community projects, you have always looked for issues affecting the common man and brought attention to them with your music.

You are a Patriot to whom Uganda comes first and have always stood side by side with the ordinary Ugandan, regardless of how much money that was likely to cost you. To you, the country always comes first.  

On this day, I want you to know what an inspiration you are! On this day, I want you to know that you're punching above your weight against all odds! On this day, I want you to know that you make extraordinary things appear so easy!

Go out there and break a leg, AGAINST ALL ODDS!

DISCLAIMER:
THESE ARE MY PERSONAL VIEWS AND NOT THOSE OF MY EMPLOYER OR ANY OTHER ENTITY THAT I'M PROFESSIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH.