Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, announced on Saturday that he is temporarily leaving the country after more than eight weeks of operating from undisclosed locations following the contested January 2026 presidential election.
In a public statement to supporters, Kyagulanyi framed the departure as a strategic effort to increase international pressure on President Museveni’s government, which declared victory for a seventh term in January.
Kyagulanyi has been in hiding since January 16, 2026, alleging that security forces raided his home in Magere shortly after the polls closed. While military officials have denied targeting him, the NUP leader says he had to evade “snatch squads” amid what he describes as a heavy military siege.
“The regime has looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues… well, they couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” Kyagulanyi said.
He described the post-election period as a state of “siege,” citing roadblocks, arrests of his security personnel, and harassment of his family as evidence of an orchestrated crackdown on dissent.
The January 15, 2026, election took place under a near-total internet blackout and was marred by widespread reports of technical failures with biometric voting machines.
President Museveni was declared the winner with over 70% of the vote. Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform (NUP) rejected the results, alleging “massive ballot stuffing” and state-sponsored intimidation.
International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have highlighted a “longstanding pattern of abuse” against opposition figures in Uganda, noting allegations that Kyagulanyi’s wife, Barbara, was assaulted by security forces in late January.
Kyagulanyi emphasized that his departure is intended to be short-term. He said he will engage with “friends and allies all over the world” to discuss Uganda’s political crisis before returning to continue his campaign for democracy.
“I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work,” he said. “Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends… before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy!”
The Ugandan government has not issued an official statement regarding Kyagulanyi’s departure. In recent weeks, military spokespeople have dismissed his claims of being hunted, suggesting the statements are intended to mobilize his supporters.
Kyagulanyi’s international engagements are expected to include meetings with human rights organizations and political leaders in Europe and North America, where he has previously lobbied for sanctions against Ugandan officials.
