Marian Robinson, the mother of former US First Lady Michelle Obama, has died at 86.In a statement, her family said that Robinson had died “peacefully” on Friday morning.Robinson was a well-known fixture at the White House during the eight years of Barack Obama’s administration between 2009 and 2017.She spent much of that time taking care of her two granddaughters, Michelle and Barack Obama’s daughters Malia and Sasha.In a statement posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Mrs Obama called Robinson her “rock, always there for whatever I needed”.“She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today,” she wrote.Getty ImagesRobinson was often seen with her two granddaughters, Malia and Sasha ObamaIn a separate tweet, Mr Obama said that “there was and will be only one Marian Robinson”.“In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life,” he added. “And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example.”No further details were given about the cause of death.Born in 1937, Robinson grew up one of seven children in Chicago, the city where she spent much of her life before agreeing to come to Washington DC after Mr Obama’s electoral victory.Early in her life, she studied to become a teacher before working as a secretary. She raised Michelle and her other child, Craig, together with her husband Frasier Robinson on Chicago’s South Side.“At every step, as our families went down paths none of us could have predicted, she remained our refuge from the storm,” the Obama statement said.“On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand.”An image taken on the night in 2008 when her son-in-law made history as the nation’s first African-American president showed Robinson sitting on a sofa with him, watching the results come in.The statement added that Robinson had agreed to move to the White House after a “healthy nudge” from Barack and Michelle Obama, who, along with their daughters, “needed her”.It was said that she insisted on doing her own laundry there.In a later interview with CBS, the BBC’s US partner, Robinson said she felt compelled to move to Washington because she felt “like this was going to be a very hard life” for her daughter and son-in-law.“And I was worried about their safety,” she added. “I was worried about my grandkids. That’s what got me to move to DC.”The lifelong Chicago resident had never boarded a flight out of the US until she flew aboard Air Force One with the Obamas to France in 2009.Robinson – whom Mr Obama once called “the least pretentious person” he knew – said that it was a “huge adjustment” to have her needs met by White House staff.“Rather than hobnobbing with Oscar winners or Nobel laureates, she preferred spending her time upstairs with a TV tray, in the room outside her bedroom with big windows that looked out at the Washington Monument,” the family statement said.“The only guest she made a point of asking to meet was the Pope,” it added.Her privacy afforded her a freedom envied by the rest of her family. David Axelrod, a senior Obama advisor, told CNN on Friday “she would often slip out of the White House on her own and visit with friends”,“She really wasn’t looking for attention,” he added.On Mother’s Day – just weeks before Robinson’s death – Mrs Obama announced that an exhibit at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago would be named in her honour.“In so many ways, she fostered in me a deep sense of confidence in who I was and who I could be, by teaching me to think for myself,” Mrs Obama said in a video announcement.“I simply wouldn’t be who I am today without my mom.”Credit: BBChttps://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/michelle-obamas-mother-marian-robinson-dies-at-86/
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Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.
By Amiri Wabusimba.
In recent years, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first son and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), has gained notoriety for a series of provocative remarks posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. These tweets, often laced with humor, have sparked controversy and made headlines for their alarming content, including claims of capturing neighboring cities such as Nairobi in Kenya within 24 hours. More recently, his rhetoric has extended to threats against South Sudan, raising significant concerns about Uganda’s diplomatic future and its role on the global stage.
Uganda, as a UN member state, is bound by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which upholds the sovereignty of all nations and prohibits threats or acts of aggression. Despite the informal nature of Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks, they undermine these principles, jeopardizing Uganda’s relations with neighboring countries. Such statements, even when presented in jest, have the potential to destabilize diplomatic ties and provoke unnecessary tensions, especially if left unaddressed.
Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets may not constitute formal declarations of war, but they breach several international laws and Uganda’s own Constitution. The United Nations Charter Article 2(4), prohibits threats or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Article 3 of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution obliges government to safeguard the nation’s independence and territorial integrity while respecting other states sovereignty. His comments suggest military action against neighboring countries, which directly contravenes these constitutional and international obligations. Persistent threats against neighboring countries could trigger a diplomatic crisis, eroding trust and damaging Uganda’s ability to foster strong relationships regionally and internationally.
Diplomatic engagement relies on mutual respect, adherence to norms, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Gen. Muhoozi’s rhetoric creates an image of Uganda as a volatile and unpredictable state, deterring potential investors and straining international cooperation. Recently, the United States issued a warning after one of Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets targeted the U.S. Embassy in Uganda. Although the tweet was later deleted, the damage to Uganda’s reputation was already done. This incident exemplifies the dangers of public officials using social media irresponsibly. Strained relations, sanctions, or even diplomatic expulsions could result from such behavior.
In 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made public threats against Canada over a waste disposal dispute. Although his remarks were intended to pressure Canada diplomatically, they were widely perceived as undermining international norms and relations. While the conflict did not escalate militarily, it created a diplomatic rift and tarnished the Philippines’ global reputation. A parallel can be drawn with Gen. Muhoozi’s provocative tweets, which risk creating a lasting diplomatic fallout and damaging Uganda’s standing with its neighbors and broader international community. The global landscape increasingly demands adherence to international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
Reckless rhetoric not only isolates nations from international forums, trade opportunities, and collaborative ventures but also fosters a perception of unpredictability among officials, which can lead to severe economic and political consequences. To safeguard Uganda’s future, diplomatic dialogue with neighboring countries should be urgently initiated to clarify Uganda’s stance and prevent misunderstandings. Gen. Muhoozi’s aggression rhetoric contravene international laws, breach Uganda’s Constitution, and threaten the country’s diplomatic standing. Government must prioritize peaceful diplomacy and respect for sovereignty as outlined in the Vienna Convention and Uganda’s Constitution. By addressing these issues decisively, Uganda can secure a stable and prosperous future on the global stage.
Author is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist
Tel: +56775103895 email: [email protected]
Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.
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NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned an alleged attack on its headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, reportedly orchestrated by controversial singer Alien Skin and his associates. According to a statement released by the party, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at approximately 3:15 a.m.
The statement alleges that Alien Skin’s group unlawfully entered the party’s premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and vandalized the walls with provocative graffiti. NUP expressed deep regret over these actions, describing them as reminiscent of tactics used by individuals deployed in the past to destabilize efforts for political reform in Uganda.
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learned nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others,” the statement read.
The party noted that such incidents tend to spike as Uganda approaches elections, suggesting that certain groups are allegedly being used to derail the opposition’s agenda through acts of provocation and violence.
NUP urged Alien Skin and his associates to reflect on their actions, warning that history has repeatedly shown how individuals used to disrupt political struggles often face repercussions and lose public favor over time.
“The struggle for a better Uganda cannot be derailed by such antics. We call upon all Ugandans to remain vigilant and united in the face of intimidation and provocation,” the statement concluded.
This attack has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition supporters and human rights activists, who see it as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent in the lead-up to elections. Meanwhile, calls for accountability and an impartial investigation into the incident are growing louder.
Alien Skin has yet to comment on the allegations, and efforts to reach him for a statement were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
NUP STATEMENT
This morning at 3:15am, a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls. It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.
NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang
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NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused popular musician Alien Skin of leading an attack on its headquarters in Kavule early Saturday morning.
“This morning at 3:15 a.m., a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls,” read the statement issued by NUP.
NUP released a cctv video footage showing Alien Skin’s gang emerging from three cars to attack the party’s offices.
The party condemned the attack, describing it as a recurring tactic used by detractors to destabilize opposition activities, particularly during election periods.
Drawing parallels to controversial figures associated with past political violence, NUP stated:
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.”
Incidents
The alleged vandalism comes just weeks after Alien Skin and his entourage were accused of storming Nsambya Hospital.
In that incident, hospital operations were disrupted, and staff reportedly faced threats and intimidation, sparking widespread condemnation.
Alien Skin was jailed over the violence meted out against doctors at the hospital before being released on bail.
Alien Skin, once celebrated for his contribution to Uganda’s music industry, has increasingly been linked to politically motivated aggression.
While Alien Skin has not responded to the allegations, the incident has reignited debate about the role of artists in Uganda’s politics.
Authorities have yet to comment on the matter, but pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent investigation.
As the 2026 general elections approach, incidents like this raise concerns about the political climate and the potential for heightened tensions in the coming months.
NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers
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