Bobi Wine has announced that he has temporarily left Uganda after spending the past two months in hiding, following what he described as a military crackdown after the disputed 2026 presidential election.
In a statement shared publicly via his official social media accounts, the opposition leader said he had been forced to go underground after security forces allegedly raided his residence a day after Yoweri Museveni declared himself the winner of the election.
“Two months ago, Museveni yet again usurped the will of the people of Uganda and declared himself president on gunpoint. A day later, gripped by shame and fear, the military invaded my home to harm me, but I was able to evade them and go into hiding,” Bobi Wine said.
According to the opposition figure, security forces spent weeks attempting to track him down, carrying out a series of operations targeting his associates and supporters.
“Over the past two months, the regime has looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks of vehicles and motorcycles, arrested and dismissed the police officers assigned to my campaign, raided our home in the village, and kept my home under siege. Well, they couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he said.
Bobi Wine said the protection he received from ordinary Ugandans enabled him to remain out of reach of authorities during the period he spent in hiding.
The opposition leader also announced that he had now left the country briefly to engage with international allies and supporters.
“Today, I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy!” he said.
Despite leaving the country temporarily, Bobi Wine urged his supporters to remain united and focused on what he described as the broader struggle for political change.
“For now, let’s remain focused and united,” he added.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged as one of the most prominent opposition figures challenging Museveni’s decades-long rule in Uganda.
His political movement has frequently accused the government of suppressing dissent, allegations that authorities have repeatedly denied.
The latest developments come amid continued political tensions in the country, with opposition groups and civil society organisations raising concerns about the conduct of elections and the treatment of opposition leaders.
