Debunked: Bobi Wine's purported Affair with Nakandi is a false Fabrication

A sensational story published by Explorer Uganda on September 30, 2025, claimed that Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi forced Winifred Nakandi out of the National Unity Platform (NUP) after discovering Nakandi’s alleged affair and child with NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). The article, laced with anonymous “insider” quotes, painted a dramatic tale of heartbreak, political expulsion, and cultural tensions. But does it hold up? Our fact-check reveals this is largely fiction, exploiting real events for clicks.

The story alleges that Kyagulanyi's wife, Barbie(Barbra Itungo Kyagulanyi) discovered a secret affair and child with Nakandi, leading to separate bedrooms and a “silent, bitter battle.”

Barbie pressured Nakandi to withdraw from the Kampala Woman MP race and orchestrated her expulsion from NUP.

According to the story Bobi Wine’s Baganda relatives favor Nakandi (a Muganda) over Barbie (Rwandan) due to cultural differences, threatening NUP’s stability.

This article by the Explorer claims that Bobi Wine has an affair and a child with Winfred Nakandi. We have fact-checked this article and found it to be false.

The Truth

There is No Affair or a Child. No credible evidence supports claims of an affair or child.

Nakandi herself denied romantic links in an August 2025 interview, calling such rumours “baseless propaganda.” Bobi Wine and Barbie appeared united at his September 24, 2025, presidential nomination, with no reports of marital strife in mainstream outlets like Reuters or Nile Post. Similar infidelity rumours about Bobi Wine have been debunked since 2015.

Bobi Wine and wife Barbie(Barbra Itungo Kyagulanyi)

Nakandi’s Withdrawal

Nakandi withdrew from the Kampala Woman MP race on September 11, 2025, but cited vetting irregularities, favouritism toward rivals and fraudulent membership issues, not personal scandals. She remains an NUP member, plans to run independently, and supports Bobi Wine’s 2026 bid. No expulsion has been reported.

Winifred Nakandi (Centre) at her withdrawal Press Conference.

Claims of Barbie’s in-laws despising her for not adhering to Baganda customs are baseless stereotypes, unsupported by any named sources or family statements. Bobi Wine’s public image remains intact, with no credible reports of internal family conflict.

Explorer Uganda relies on anonymous “friends” and “insiders,” a hallmark of unverified gossip. The story hasn’t gained traction beyond low-engagement X reposts, unlike Nakandi’s documented vetting complaints covered by Nile Post.

This narrative twists Nakandi’s real withdrawal into a tabloid scandal, a common tactic in Uganda’s polarized media to smear opposition figures like Bobi Wine ahead of 2026 elections. Lacking evidence, it recycles old, debunked rumors to sow division.

The affair, child, expulsion, and cultural clash claims are fabrications. Nakandi’s exit stems from NUP’s internal politics, not personal drama.