Digitally Altered Photo Falsely Claims Bobi Wine and Barbie Joined NRM

Multiple up-to-date findings confirm that the claims about Bobi Wine and Barbie joining the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are entirely false and stem from deliberate online misinformation.

Original Photo and Manipulation

The circulating image that shows Bobi Wine and Barbie dressed in yellow, implying NRM allegiance, is a digitally edited copy. The authentic photo features them in formal wear with white and red colors, not political yellow. Only the clothing color was altered to create a deceptive visual

Screenshot of the manipulated image and claiming that Kyagulanyi(Bobi Wine) and his wife Barbie Itungo joined NRM.

The Original photo shows Bobi Wine and wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi in red attire. Red is the party colour of the NUP

No Shift in Political Affiliation

Major Ugandan news platforms and international observers have reported on Bobi Wine’s September 2025 nomination as the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate for the 2026 elections, confirming his leadership of the opposition and his position as Museveni’s main challenger.

No official statements from Bobi Wine, Barbie, or the NUP suggest any intention or move to join the NRM. Their public communications on social media and in public addresses consistently reaffirm loyalty to NUP and their activism for change, not regime alignment.

Recent Rally and Public Messaging

On September 24, 2025, Bobi Wine held his official nomination rally in Nateete as the NUP flag-bearer. The event was covered by credible sources, and his speeches focused on challenging the current administration and rallying support for peaceful democratic change not about joining or endorsing the NRM.

Statements made during this period by Bobi Wine consistently rejected the legitimacy of NRM rule and appealed for unity among opposition and ordinary Ugandans to end what he described as “40 years of injustice”

Track Record of Similar Misinformation

Ugandan political campaigns have frequently been targets of manipulated images and fake news aimed at confusing voters or damaging political rivals. Fact-checkers have previously exposed similar forgeries during heated periods, especially with edited photos.

The style and timing of this false claim is consistent with previous cases of digital misinformation meant to mislead or disorient the public ahead of major campaign events.

Public Response and Fact-Checking

Independent researchers and media literacy groups encourage Ugandans to be cautious about viral posts, especially those relying on altered images as “evidence,” and to cross-reference news with established platforms.

The lack of corroboration by major archives, and the continued presence of the original photo in public records, further confirms there is no basis for the NRM defection claim.

The story that Bobi Wine and Barbie have joined the NRM is completely unfounded. It is based on a doctoring of their photo and has no backing from official records, press coverage, or their own public statements. Both remain firmly connected to NUP, continuing to oppose NRM rule and appearing at NUP-organized rallies.