Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has revealed that he named his son Solomon because he wanted him to grow up with wisdom from God.
Bobi Wine made the revelation while celebrating Solomon Kampala Sekayi Kyagulanyi Galyenkanawa’s 21st birthday, sharing a heartfelt message reflecting on his son’s birth, fatherhood and hopes for his future.
The opposition leader said that 21 years ago, he held Solomon in his arms for the first time while he was still a young man himself.
He recalled feeling anxious but deeply blessed, admitting that although he did not have all the answers at the time, he was certain that he wanted his son’s life to be different from his own.
“I wanted you to be spared the life struggles I had gone through,” Bobi Wine wrote.
He explained that, like the biblical King Solomon, he turned to God and prayed for wisdom.
“That is why I named you Solomon. That name was my prayer for you from the very beginning; it still is!” he disclosed.
Bobi Wine said he had already experienced fame and some level of success by the time his son was born, but understood that neither could provide what he considered most important in life.
He said wisdom was something only God could give.
The politician said he had consistently prayed for his son to be blessed with wisdom, discernment, courage, humility and the ability to recognise what is right even when society tells him otherwise.
As Solomon turned 21, Bobi Wine shared that he was grateful for the man his son had become and expressed pride in him.
He urged him to live according to the biblical teaching in Micah 6:8, calling on him to walk humbly with God, love mercy and do what is just.
Bobi Wine also dedicated his son to God once again as he entered what he described as a new chapter of his life.
He prayed that God’s guidance on Solomon’s steps would protect him from things he cannot see, strengthen him during difficult moments and give him wisdom to navigate the uncertainties of life.
The opposition leader also invoked the blessings of Solomon’s ancestors, praying that they would accompany him and help make his life a blessing to others.
He urged his son to ensure that his purpose in life was bigger than himself and encouraged him to carry himself with confidence while remaining proud of who he is.
Bobi Wine further advised Solomon to respect everyone regardless of their status but to fear no one except God.
“Respect everyone, regardless of who they are, but fear no one except God. Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated and never be afraid to stand for what is right,” he shared.
Reflecting on the significance of the name he chose 21 years ago, Bobi Wine said his prayer for Solomon remained unchanged.
He wished his son wisdom greater than wealth, character greater than fame and courage greater than fear.
“You were named Solomon because, from the very beginning, I prayed that your greatest treasure would not be what the world can give you, but the wisdom that comes from God,” he said.
Bobi Wine concluded his birthday message by wishing his son the ability to recognise truth, follow it with humility and live by it with courage.
He signed off the message wishing Solomon “a happy 21st birthday.”