TAKEAWAYS

• Ninye Tabz says Bobi Wine personally recruited him in 2017 while preparing to contest for the Kyadondo East parliamentary seat.
• The photographer revealed he left his police job after Bobi Wine promised to match his salary and asked him to return police equipment.
• Tabz also recalled being fired after the Bugiri by-election violence before later reconciling with Bobi Wine, whom he describes as a disciplined and forgiving leader.

Photojournalist Ninye Tabz has opened up about the journey that saw him leave his role as an official photographer for the Uganda Police Force under former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura to become the personal photographer of opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Tabz, who has built a strong following on X through exposing alleged government scandals and misuse of public funds, recently spoke about the transition during an interview with a local journalist.

His remarks come amid longstanding speculation about his past association with the police, with some critics questioning whether he was planted within the opposition because of his previous role under the security establishment.

According to Tabz, his relationship with Bobi Wine began in 2017 when the musician-turned-politician was preparing to contest the Kyadondo East parliamentary by-election.

At the time, Tabz was still a student at Makerere University. He said he was introduced to Bobi Wine through a mutual friend identified as Mbogo, who lived in Lumumba Hall while Tabz stayed in Mitchell Hall.

“Mbogo told me that Bobi Wine wanted to meet me personally. I couldn’t believe it because I had grown up admiring him.”

The two eventually met near Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Kampala, where Bobi Wine explained that he had seen Tabz’s photography and wanted him to become his official photographer for the upcoming campaign.

Initially, Tabz asked for time to think about the offer, but Bobi Wine insisted he needed him immediately.

“He already knew I was working with the police and Gen. Kale Kayihura. He told me he would pay me the same salary I was earning and asked me to return the police equipment. That’s how I joined his team.”

Tabz noted that at the time there was no major conflict between Bobi Wine and the police, making the transition relatively smooth. However, relations later deteriorated as Bobi Wine’s political profile grew, especially during his presidential campaign.

The photographer also revisited an incident during the Bugiri parliamentary by-election that was won by Asuman Basalirwa.

According to Tabz, clashes broke out after police allegedly provoked supporters, leading to his arrest.

He expected Bobi Wine to commend him for standing his ground. Instead, the opposition leader almost fired him.

“He told me that no one can ever achieve anything in life without discipline.”

Tabz said he later reflected on the incident, sought forgiveness, and was welcomed back.

Today, he says his admiration for Bobi Wine goes beyond his celebrity status.

“We love Bobi Wine because of what he stands for and what he believes in, not simply because he is a star.”

The photojournalist added that every encounter with Bobi Wine continues to remind him why he chose to follow the former Kyadondo East legislator, describing him as a leader whose principles continue to inspire those around him.