The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Sunday issued a strong rebuke directed at Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in response to the opposition figure’s ongoing international engagements.
“‘Uncle Tom’ Kabobi. Uganda won its independence in 1962! We are a sovereign nation,” Muhoozi wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, adding that Bobi Wine fled Uganda on January 26, eleven days after the general elections.
“Kabobi should stop telling the world lies. He has spent two months in the United States eating Big Macs while his followers are in jail. Some leader,” he added.
Bobi Wine’s current travels follow more than eight weeks spent operating from undisclosed locations after the January 15 presidential election, which he has consistently described as “fake” and disputed, alleging manipulation by the Electoral Commission.
In a statement released on March 14, 2026, Bobi Wine said his trip aims to deepen international engagement on Uganda’s electoral process.
During his period in hiding, he addressed the Geneva Summit and delivered an online briefing to officials of the European Union, highlighting concerns over electoral integrity and human rights.
“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 widely circulated video.
Bobi Wine reportedly left his residence in Magere on January 16, following what he described as a raid by military personnel, alleging “snatch squads” and a heavy security presence. He claimed ordinary citizens helped shelter him.
State authorities have consistently denied these allegations.
Government officials have strongly rejected claims of political persecution. Chris Baryomunsi said there are no plans to arrest Bobi Wine, while Robinah Nabbanja urged him to return home.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke affirmed that security deployment around Bobi Wine’s residence is to prevent unrest, not detain him.
In addition, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello criticized Bobi Wine’s international outreach as an attempt to gain foreign sympathy, arguing that foreign governments do not participate in Uganda’s elections and that no government has formally raised concerns about the vote.
Despite the tensions, Bobi Wine has rejected pursuing legal action, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary, and continues to encourage supporters to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
