Bobi Wine alleges assassination plot, seeks US support against Museveni

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has claimed there was an order to kill him during Uganda’s post-election unrest, raising fresh concerns over political repression.

In an interview with The Africa Report, Wine said he was forced into hiding after the disputed presidential election, alleging security forces were actively pursuing him.

“There was an order to kill me,” he said, describing what he termed a targeted crackdown on opposition leaders.

The Ugandan government has not publicly responded to the claims.

Washington visit and diplomatic push

Wine confirmed he is in Washington, D.C., where he has begun a series of meetings with congressional staff on Capitol Hill.

The discussions focused on alleged human rights violations and democratic decline under President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years.

Official results showed Museveni won 62% of the vote, while Wine garnered 33%. The opposition has rejected the outcome, citing irregularities and lack of transparency.

Wine said he is urging the United States to reconsider its support for the Ugandan government, including the possibility of sanctions.

He shared updates of his visit on X, saying he had started international engagements in Washington.

Life in hiding and public support

Wine said ordinary Ugandans helped him evade arrest during the crackdown.

“The people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he said.

He added that his rural home was raided, while his main residence remains under security surveillance.

In a video message released online, Wine said he had already left Uganda by the time the footage was made public, citing safety concerns.

A former musician turned politician, Wine remains one of Museveni’s most prominent critics.

He said his trip abroad is aimed at rallying international support before returning to Uganda to continue pushing for democratic reforms.