National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has criticised American actor Tyrese Gibson for praising Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and inviting him to Los Angeles.

Bobi Wine reacted after Gibson met Gen Muhoozi during his recent visit to Uganda and publicly praised the Chief of Defence Forces.

The Hollywood actor extended an invitation to Gen Muhoozi, saying it came from his heart and promising to try and introduce him to American music star Beyoncé.

“Mr Kainerugaba, my invitation to Los Angeles comes from my heart,” Gibson said in a message shared online.

Gibson said that if Muhoozi accepted the invitation, he would do everything within his power to help him meet Beyoncé, whom he described as an icon and legend.

The actor said Muhoozi had expressed interest in meeting the global music star and promised to help make the meeting possible.

During his visit, Gibson praised Muhoozi’s military career and highlighted his reported support for children with cancer, vulnerable communities and young entrepreneurs through the MK Fund.

He said he arrived in Uganda knowing Muhoozi mainly as President Yoweri Museveni’s son but left with a different impression of him.

“I left understanding the accomplished servant-leader you are in your own right,” Gibson said.

The actor also thanked Gen Muhoozi, his family and President Museveni for welcoming him during his visit.

Gibson said their discussions focused on areas including tourism, investment, entertainment, natural resources, hotels, restaurants and job creation.

He said his visit was not only about taking photos but about exploring possible partnerships that could benefit Ugandans.

“The entrepreneur in me never showed up to just take pictures. I’m on a mission to shift culture! One MOU at a time,” Gibson said.

However, Bobi Wine strongly disagreed with Gibson’s comments, accusing the actor of ignoring alleged human rights abuses in Uganda.

In a statement, the opposition leader questioned why Gibson would use religious language while associating with a government figure accused by opposition groups and rights activists of involvement in abuses.

“Why invoke Jesus’ name and pretend to be God-fearing while standing comfortably beside a tyrant who tortures and kills people for fun? This hypocrisy is sickening,” Bobi Wine wrote.

He accused Gibson of failing to understand Uganda’s political situation and urged him to learn more about the country’s history and governance.

Bobi Wine argued that international personalities should not support leaders without considering allegations made against them.

“Black lives cannot matter only when it is convenient,” he added.

Gen Muhoozi has previously faced accusations from opposition figures and activists, claims that he and his supporters have rejected.

Tyrese Gibson’s visit to Uganda included meetings with Gen Muhoozi and President Museveni, where discussions reportedly focused on tourism, film and investment opportunities.

The exchange between Bobi Wine and Gibson has since attracted attention, with supporters of both sides debating the role of international celebrities in Uganda’s political affairs.

While Gibson highlighted opportunities for investment and cooperation, Bobi Wine maintained that human rights concerns should not be ignored when engaging with government leaders.