Former intelligence operative and political analyst Charles Rwomushana has raised concerns about the country’s opposition strategy, political conduct, and ideological direction, while weighing in on the movements and decisions of former National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Speaking during Sanyuka One on One on Tuesday, Rwomushana framed political struggle in strategic terms, arguing that conflict — whether political or otherwise — must be approached with clarity of purpose.
“The main objective of the war is to destroy the enemy. How do you raise consciousness for self-defense?” he said, emphasizing the need for organized political awareness and mobilization.
Rwomushana also questioned Bobi Wine’s recent international movements, particularly his presence in the United States.
“Kyagulanyi took a photo from Parliament Avenue in the U.S., which is a public place. You can’t leave the country illegally as a presidential candidate without a facilitator,” he said.
In recent days, Bobi Wine confirmed that he had commenced a series of international engagements with key legislative and diplomatic actors, beginning with meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Bobi Wine stated that the brief exit was intended to deepen international engagement regarding Uganda’s disputed January 15 presidential election. He revealed that he had spent more than eight weeks operating from undisclosed locations following what he described as a military raid on his residence.
Bobi Wine claimed he evaded capture with the help of ordinary citizens, citing fears of “snatch squads” and describing a heavy military siege around his home — allegations that state authorities have consistently denied.
While in hiding, he addressed the Geneva Summit and delivered an online presentation to officials of the European Union, raising concerns about electoral integrity and human rights conditions in Uganda. He said the current trip offers an opportunity to elevate those engagements into direct, in-person discussions.
“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 statement.
Rwomushana, however, criticized the broader trajectory of opposition politics, describing it as stagnant and regionally constrained.
“There’s stagnation in building the opposition’s politics. It started from Buganda, and even though it was dominated by Museveni, Kizza Besigye failed to gain dominance in Ankole,” he said.
Rwomushana also introduced a spiritual dimension to political conduct, arguing that cultural and moral principles influence political outcomes.
“There are certain principles in spirituality: you cannot abuse an elder. Kyagulanyi will not go anywhere because he abused Yoweri Museveni,” he said.
At the same time, Rwomushana praised Muhoozi Kainerugaba, describing him as highly skilled in intelligence operations.
“Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is very intelligent when it comes to operations; he is a master of deception, which is an advantage in intelligence work,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bobi Wine continues to reject the official election results that returned President Museveni to power, labeling the outcome “fake” and accusing the Electoral Commission of manipulating the process. He alleges that results were announced without providing the mandatory Declaration of Results forms, although no substantial evidence has been publicly presented to support these claims.
Despite his objections, Bobi Wine has stated that he will not pursue legal action, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary. Instead, he has called on supporters to engage in peaceful demonstrations to protest what he describes as a stolen election.
Government officials have dismissed claims of political persecution and denied any intention to detain or harm the opposition leader. ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi stated that there are no plans to arrest Kyagulanyi, while Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged him to abandon what she described as “comedy” and return home.
Authorities have also clarified that the continued deployment of security forces around Kyagulanyi’s residence is intended to prevent unrest, not to threaten him. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the presence will remain until Bobi Wine returns.
In a telephone interview, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello dismissed Kyagulanyi’s international engagements as inconsequential, arguing that seeking support from Western countries whose citizens do not vote in Uganda is a flawed political strategy.
Okello added that no foreign government has formally raised concerns with Uganda regarding the election outcome or Bobi Wine’s claims, and maintained that any perceived damage to Uganda’s international image would not significantly affect the country’s global relations.