Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, says he has left Uganda to avoid 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 leader has rejected the outcome, claiming the election was marred by widespread irregularities and fraud.
His disappearance from public view for weeks raised concerns about his safety, particularly after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief and the president’s son, posted repeated threats against him on social media platform X. However, Ugandan police have said they are not actively searching for him.
In a video message released online, Wine confirmed he had left the country for undisclosed engagements abroad, without revealing his current location. He thanked supporters who helped conceal and protect him while authorities were allegedly looking for him.
Wine said he intends to return to Uganda and continue his political struggle at the appropriate time.
The opposition figure had gone into hiding after security forces raided his home the day after the election, though he was not present. During the campaign, he often appeared at rallies wearing a helmet and flak jacket, citing fears for his safety amid a strong security presence.
Wine was the most prominent among seven candidates challenging 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
