Prominent lawyer and political analyst Rogers Barigayomwe has described the temporary departure of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as the start of what he termed the opposition leader’s “real bid” for the presidency.
Speaking on NBS Morning Breeze on Monday, Barigayomwe argued that Kyagulanyi’s decision to leave the country should not be seen as a setback but rather a strategic maneuver within Uganda’s broader opposition struggle.
“I used to joke that NUP wasn’t serious about taking over the presidency. Now that Kyagulanyi has left the country, this is the beginning of his real bid for the presidency. He had to retreat and this is a big sign,” he said.
Barigayomwe noted that leaders of political movements often avoid exposing themselves during tense political moments, particularly when their safety is at risk.
“Kyagulanyi leaving Uganda isn’t a setback. When you are the leader of a struggle, you don’t expose yourself. It’s safer for Kyagulanyi and the struggle to mobilise from outside the country,” he added.
He suggested that while Kyagulanyi’s absence could temporarily weaken NUP as a party, it may strengthen the broader opposition movement advocating for political change.
“NUP as a party might weaken in Kyagulanyi's absence, but the forces of change will strengthen,” he said.
Barigayomwe also predicted the emergence of another opposition force in the near future, potentially arising from what he described as “spiritual grounds.”
“I’m anticipating there will be another opposition force emerging and this will be from the spiritual grounds,” he said.
Kyagulanyi announced on Saturday that he is temporarily leaving Uganda after more than eight weeks operating from undisclosed locations, saying he plans to use the trip to increase international engagement regarding the election outcome.
“I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends in the diaspora before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy,” he said in a video on social media.
During his absence, Kyagulanyi appointed NUP Vice President for Western Uganda, Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, who recently returned from prison, as acting party president.
Kyagulanyi, in hiding since the day after the January 15 election, said he evaded “snatch squads” amid a heavy military presence around his residence.
“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,” he said.
Since the election, Kyagulanyi has rejected the results, labeling them “fake,” and accused the Electoral Commission of announcing results without providing the mandatory Declaration of Results forms, though no substantial evidence has been offered.
He has opted not to challenge the results in court, citing a lack of faith in the judiciary, and has called on supporters to engage in peaceful protests against what he describes as a stolen election.
Government officials have dismissed claims of political persecution. The Minister for Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, said the state has no intention of arresting or harming Kyagulanyi. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged him to return home, describing his actions as “comedy.”
Security deployments around Kyagulanyi’s Magere residence, Baryomunsi explained, are meant to prevent the home from becoming a hub for public disorder, not to threaten or detain him.
Police have reiterated that the presence will remain for security reasons until Kyagulanyi returns from hiding.
