Bobi Wine launches U.S. campaign against Museveni rule

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, has launched a diplomatic campaign in the United States, urging sanctions against President Yoweri Museveni’s government following a disputed election that extended his decades-long rule.

Kyagulanyi confirmed his arrival in Washington, D.C., where he held meetings with bipartisan congressional staff on Capitol Hill. The opposition leader said the discussions focused on alleged human rights abuses, democratic decline and misuse of public funds linked to Uganda’s January presidential election.

He shared an image of himself outside the U.S. Capitol, marking his first public appearance since the vote.

“Started my international engagements today with meetings on Capitol Hill, in Washington DC. #FreeUgandaNow,” he wrote on X.

Official results showed Museveni winning 62% of the vote, while Kyagulanyi received 33%. The opposition has rejected the outcome, citing widespread irregularities and a lack of transparency in the electoral process.

Kyagulanyi said he fled Uganda after going into hiding for nearly two months following what he described as a military raid on his residence in Magere shortly after the results were announced.

“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,” he said.

He alleged that security forces mounted operations to track him, including roadblocks, vehicle checks and raids targeting his associates. Reports from areas such as Gayaza indicated heightened military presence, raising public concern.

However, Ugandan authorities denied targeting the opposition leader. Colonel Chris Magezi, acting director of defence public information, said the deployments were routine enforcement operations.

“This is to dismiss the insinuations… No one is looking for or interested in the NUP leader,” Magezi said.

Call for sanctions and aid scrutiny.

Accompanied by ally Jeffrey Smith, Kyagulanyi called on the U.S. Treasury and State Department to impose targeted sanctions and investigate alleged misuse of foreign aid.

Uganda has received more than USD 1 billion in U.S. assistance since 2016. Kyagulanyi urged international financial institutions to trace how the funds have been utilised.

His appeal comes amid strained relations between Washington and Kampala, with increasing scrutiny over governance and civil liberties.

Kyagulanyi said his stay in the United States would be temporary as he seeks to rally international support before returning to Uganda.

“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.

His wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, and other family members recently travelled to the United States following the reported raid on their home.

His reemergence signals a shift from domestic political survival to international advocacy, as he seeks to increase global pressure on the Museveni government.