KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has said he narrowly escaped what he described as a coordinated overnight security operation at his home in Magere, as tensions escalate following the release of provisional presidential election results.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Bobi Wine detailed a dramatic night involving heavy deployment of security forces, surveillance disruption, and aerial activity over his residence. He said the operation unfolded amid a nationwide internet shutdown, fuelling confusion and widespread speculation about his whereabouts.
“Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. There were helicopters hovering over.”
Bobi Wine said he managed to evade arrest and is currently in hiding, while his wife and other family members remain confined at their home under what he described as house arrest.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.”
He added that the overnight operation triggered rumours that he had been abducted, largely because access to the residence was sealed off and neighbours were unable to verify events as they unfolded.
“I understand that there has been great concern and speculation regarding my whereabouts. Please understand this is the context of a nationwide internet shutdown.”
The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader reiterated his outright rejection of the provisional election results being announced by the Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, accusing authorities of orchestrating large-scale electoral fraud.
I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading.”
Bobi Wine cited ballot stuffing, the militarisation of the electoral process, detention of opposition leaders and polling officials, and what he termed systematic manipulation of results, saying the announced figures “have zero backing”.
The opposition leader also condemned the killing of civilians during post-election protests, accusing security forces of using lethal force against unarmed demonstrators.
“We condemn the murder of numerous citizens who have thus far attempted to peacefully demonstrate against the broad daylight thuggery.”
He defended public protests as a constitutional right, arguing that Ugandans are entitled to challenge what they view as an illegitimate electoral outcome.
“The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice, not the kind of criminality we’re witnessing.”
Beyond the presidential race, Bobi Wine alleged widespread manipulation in parliamentary contests, claiming that NUP candidates were being targeted even in constituencies where, he said, there was overwhelming evidence of victory.
“NUP candidates are being targeted, even when they have 100% evidence that they won. This is absolute madness.”
He concluded his statement with a message of defiance, insisting that the struggle for democratic change would ultimately prevail.
The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL ULTIMATELY WIN.”
The developments come as President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, maintains a commanding lead in provisional national tallies released by the EC. The election has been conducted under tight security, with widespread reports of arrests, deployment of the military at polling stations, and restrictions on media and internet access.
International and domestic observers have raised concerns about transparency, the heavy security footprint, and the impact of the internet shutdown on the credibility of the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has insisted that only final certified results should be considered official.
Bobi Wine noted that photographs circulating online were taken at different times during the raid and the following morning, underscoring the continuing security presence around his home.
