Aruu County Member of Parliament Christopher Komakech has defended the government’s position regarding opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, saying security agencies have not been pursuing him despite his claims of being targeted.
Speaking during NBS Eagle on Sunday, Komakech dismissed assertions that state security forces have been hunting for the former National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate since the January elections.
“I agree with security that they have never looked for Kyagulanyi because they would have got him if they needed him,” he said.
Komakech also claimed that the opposition leader currently enjoys significant protection. “Did you know that Mr. Kyagulanyi has more security than the president of Uganda,” he added.
His remarks come shortly after Kyagulanyi announced that he would temporarily leave Uganda after more than eight weeks of operating from undisclosed locations.
In a video shared on his social media platforms, Kyagulanyi said the trip would allow him to strengthen international engagement regarding the disputed 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,” Kyagulanyi said.
The two-time presidential candidate said he had remained in hiding since the day after the January 15 polls, claiming he was evading what he described as “snatch squads” amid heavy military deployment around his residence in Magere.
“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 January 15, 2026 general elections, Kyagulanyi has rejected the official results, labeling them “fake” and accusing the Electoral Commission of Uganda of manipulating the process.
He has also alleged that the Commission announced the results without providing the mandatory Declaration of Results forms, although no substantial evidence has been publicly presented to support the claims.
Kyagulanyi reportedly left his Magere residence on January 16, 2026 and went into hiding after alleging that military personnel had raided the premises.
Since then, he has continued communicating with supporters through social media, maintaining that state security agencies are targeting him — allegations the government has consistently denied.
Despite contesting the election outcome, Kyagulanyi has said he will not challenge the results in court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary.
Instead, he has called on his supporters to organize peaceful protests as a show of solidarity against what he describes as a stolen election.
Government officials have repeatedly 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 the opposition leader.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also urged Kyagulanyi to end what she described as “comedy” and return home to his family.
Responding to remarks attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba suggesting that security forces were pursuing Kyagulanyi, Baryomunsi clarified that the government’s position remains unchanged.
According to the minister, security deployments around Kyagulanyi’s residence in Magere are intended to prevent the home from becoming a “hub for public disorder,” rather than to threaten or detain him.
Police have also maintained that their presence in Magere is strictly for security purposes and that officers will remain stationed at the residence until Kyagulanyi returns from hiding.
During the same discussion, Komakech also addressed debate surrounding the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, emphasizing that legislation should serve the broader parliamentary process rather than individual interests.
“The bill is for the parliament, not for one person. Everyone has the right to give their ideas,” he said.
The remarks follow a decision by Richard Lumu, the Member of Parliament for Mityana South, to withdraw the proposed amendment during Thursday’s plenary session.
The bill sought to allow opposition MPs to directly elect the Leader of the Opposition, replacing the current system in which the position is designated by the opposition party with the largest number of MPs in Parliament.
Lumu defended his decision to withdraw the bill, saying many legislators across opposition parties — including the National Unity Platform, Democratic Party, Forum for Democratic Change, and Uganda People's Congress — were not in favor of the proposal.
He also warned that the amendment could potentially be misused to advance interests beyond the opposition, including possible interference from the ruling party.
Several opposition lawmakers criticized the bill as being drafted in bad faith, arguing that it could weaken the opposition’s ability to coordinate strategy and effectively hold the government accountable.
