Bobi Wine flees Uganda after two months in hiding

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, says he has temporarily left Uganda after spending nearly two months in hiding following the country’s most recent presidential election.

In a statement shared on Saturday, 30 January 2023, Kyagulanyi said he had remained out of public view since shortly after the January presidential vote, which he and his supporters claim was rigged.

The opposition leader said security forces targeted him and members of his political movement in the weeks that followed the election.

Kyagulanyi said security personnel moved toward his residence shortly after the vote in what he described as an attempt to intimidate him.

According to the opposition leader, the situation forced him to evade authorities and remain hidden for several weeks.

“Over the past two months, they have looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks of vehicles and motorcycles,” Kyagulanyi said.

He added that authorities had been searching for him through operations targeting associates and supporters across the country.

Support from citizens during hiding

Kyagulanyi said ordinary citizens helped him avoid detection during the period he remained in hiding.

He credited supporters with providing shelter, food and clothing while security forces continued searching for him.

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

Kyagulanyi also said his rural home had been raided and that his primary residence remained under security watch.

In a separate video message released online, Kyagulanyi said he would already be outside the country by the time the recording was made public.

He said the trip would allow him to engage with international partners and supporters before returning to Uganda.

“By the time you see this video, I will have left the country for some critical engagements outside Uganda and at the right time, I will come back and continue the cause,” he said.

Kyagulanyi, a former musician turned politician, remains one of the most prominent critics of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni.

He urged his supporters to remain united despite the developments.

“For now, let’s remain focused and united,” he added.