Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine flees country after tense election

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, says he has left Uganda to evade a military search following the disputed January 15 presidential election.

Wine went into hiding shortly after the vote, which official results say was won by President Yoweri Museveni with 71.6% of the vote. The opposition figure has rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral fraud.

His disappearance from public view for several weeks sparked concern about his safety, especially after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief and Museveni’s son, posted repeated threats against him on the social media platform X. However, Ugandan police have stated that they are not actively searching for him.

In a video released online, Wine confirmed he had left the country for undisclosed engagements abroad, without revealing his location. He thanked supporters who helped hide and protect him while authorities were allegedly looking for him.

Wine said he plans to return to Uganda and continue his political struggle at the appropriate time.

The opposition leader had gone into hiding after security forces raided his home a day after the election, although he was not present at the time. During the campaign, he frequently appeared at rallies wearing a helmet and flak jacket, citing concerns for his safety.

Wine was the most prominent challenger among seven candidates running against Museveni, who is expected to be sworn in for a seventh term in May, potentially extending his rule to nearly five decades.

While Museveni’s supporters credit him with maintaining relative stability in Uganda, critics argue that political freedoms and democratic space have continued to shrink, particularly for opposition figures.

Source: Newstimehub