• Pastor Wilson Bugembe says pastors must remain neutral despite political pressure.

• He credits both Bobi Wine and President Museveni for shaping his life and career.

• Bugembe says he is open to praying for any leader who invites him.

The lead pastor of Worship House Church in Nansana, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, has defended his decision to appear at a campaign rally of President Yoweri Museveni held in Nansana on Tuesday, saying his role as a pastor requires neutrality.

Bugembe was among religious leaders who prayed for President Museveni and wished him well in the forthcoming presidential election. His appearance sparked backlash from several Ugandans, particularly supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, who accused him of betraying the struggle for change.

Addressing the criticism, Bugembe said he does not belong to any political side and compared himself to a football referee whose duty is to ensure fairness rather than support one team.

He explained that his congregation and fan base include people from different political affiliations, and openly siding with one camp could divide his followers and create unnecessary tension.

“As a pastor, I have no political side. I am like a referee in and football match — my role is to ensure fairness, not to support one team.” — Pastor Wilson Bugembe

Bugembe revealed that on the eve of the president’s visit to Nansana, he received a phone call from President Museveni’s brother, Nzeirwe Kaguta, informing him that the president would be in the area and that religious leaders, including Bugembe, were invited to attend.

The pastor said he has personal reasons for respecting both Bobi Wine and President Museveni. He credited Bobi Wine for supporting his early music career by featuring him on songs such as Komawo Eka and helping elevate him to national recognition.

On the other hand, Bugembe said President Museveni paid his Primary Seven school fees and allowed him to start Worship House Church in Nansana at the age of 20. He noted that at the time, many critics doubted his ability to lead a church, branding him illiterate and inexperienced.

According to Bugembe, the peace and stability under Museveni’s leadership enabled the church to survive and grow into what it is today.

The celebrity pastor added that he is open to praying for and working with any political leader who invites him, insisting that his mission remains spiritual, not political.

Bugembe’s situation mirrors similar controversies involving public figures who face criticism for engaging with the ruling government, especially from opposition supporters who expect influential personalities to openly support their cause.