UPDATE: Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has just accused U.S. Embassy officials of assisting opposition leader Bobi Wine, who has gone into hiding following a disputed presidential election. This shocking escalation of political tensions comes just days after the January 15 election, which has drawn widespread scrutiny and concern from Ugandans.
In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, claimed that “unimaginative bureaucrats at the Embassy” have undermined security ties between Uganda and the United States. He alleged that Wine “kidnapped himself” and is now “missing,” coordinating with U.S. officials to evade capture. The U.S. Embassy has yet to respond to these serious allegations.
Bobi Wine, whose legal name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was a prominent candidate in the recent election, receiving 24.7% of the vote. Museveni, the incumbent, secured 71.6%, extending his grip on power to a seventh term. Wine has been in hiding since the election, expressing fears for his safety after campaigning in a flak jacket and helmet. His supporters worry that harming him could trigger widespread unrest, especially given his significant following among disillusioned youth in urban areas.
Kainerugaba intensified the rhetoric, declaring Wine “wanted dead or alive” and warning that foreign powers attempting to assist him face severe repercussions. “We are most certainly hunting Kabobi,” he stated, using a derogatory nickname for Wine. This aggressive stance has raised alarms among Ugandans, many of whom are frustrated with decades of Museveni’s rule and are eager for political change.
Wine has been vocal on social media, posting videos from various locations across Uganda. In a recent message, he highlighted that the military’s failure to locate him after nearly ten days indicates a weakness in government strength. “The whole army is looking for one person… that means they are not as strong as they tell you,” he asserted.
The military has not disclosed what specific charges are being pursued against Wine, with both police and the information minister stating that he has committed no crime. However, Kainerugaba, in a heated response to Wine’s defiance, labeled him a “coward” and a “terrorist.” He has also taken responsibility for a controversial raid on Wine’s residence on January 23, during which Wine’s wife reportedly suffered anxiety and bruises from interactions with soldiers.
As political tensions rise, hundreds of Wine’s supporters have faced detention on various charges linked to the election. Moreover, one senior member of his National Unity Platform party, Muwanga Kivumbi, has been charged with terrorism following clashes during the election period.
This developing situation in Uganda is drawing international attention, and the response from the U.S. and other nations will be critical in the coming days. Observers are closely watching how this confrontation unfolds and what it means for the future of Uganda’s political landscape.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops.
