Bobi Wine says he has left Uganda after nearly two months in hiding
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has announced that he has temporarily left the country to pursue international engagements, after spending nearly two months in hiding following the disputed presidential election. In a video message shared on his social media platforms, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said he would meet international partners and diaspora supporters...
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has announced that he has temporarily left the country to pursue international engagements, after spending nearly two months in hiding following the disputed presidential election.
In a video message shared on his social media platforms, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said he would meet international partners and diaspora supporters before returning to Uganda to continue advocating for political change.
“Fellow Ugandans and friends of Uganda all over the world, by the time you see this video, I will have left the country for some critical engagements outside Uganda,” Wine said. “And at the right time, I will come back and continue with the cause.”
Two months in hiding
Wine claimed he had been forced into hiding after security forces allegedly raided his home shortly after the election, which he insists he won. The government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, declared victory in the vote, a result the opposition has rejected.
“Two months ago, Museveni yet again usurped the will of the people of Uganda and declared himself president at gunpoint,” Wine said in his statement.
According to the opposition leader, security agencies conducted widespread searches for him across the country, including roadblocks and raids on homes of his associates.
“It’s laughable that for almost two months the entire security apparatus of Uganda has invested billions of taxpayers’ money searching for me everywhere, but they failed to get me,” he said. “They failed because the people protected me.”
Allegations of Raids and Arrests
Wine alleged that authorities raided the homes of several colleagues and supporters during the search, including that of his personal assistant, Don Sheriff Nadja.
He claimed security forces abducted Nadja’s wife during one of the operations, though the allegation has not been independently verified.
The opposition leader also said police officers assigned to his campaign security during the election period were later arrested and dismissed.
“They were arrested and detained, and now they’ve been dismissed from the police force with disgrace,” he said.
International advocacy
Wine said his temporary departure is intended to allow him to engage international partners and advocate for pressure on the Ugandan government.
“We decided to fight back not only within the country but also internationally,” he said. “Among the things that we hope to pursue are targeted sanctions against Museveni and his enablers.”
He also called on countries supporting Uganda’s government to reconsider their relationships with the administration.
Acting leadership
During his absence, Wine said leadership of his political movement would be overseen by his deputy, Alina Zedriga.
“In my absence, my deputy president Dr. Alina Zedriga will be acting president,” he said.
Wine pledged that his stay abroad would be temporary and that he plans to return to Uganda after completing his international engagements.
“After doing my work on the international platform, I will return back to my country and let the regime do whatever they want to me in full view of the world,” he said. “After all, I’ve not committed any crime. Running for president is not a crime.”
He concluded his address by urging supporters to remain united.
“For now, I ask you comrades to remain firm, remain united and keep the hope alive,” Wine said. “People power, our power.”
This report is based on statements and video messages shared on Bobi Wine’s official social media platforms.
