Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has announced that he has left Uganda after spending nearly two months in hiding following a disputed presidential election he claims was rigged.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, went into hiding shortly after the January 15 presidential election, in which incumbent Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner, securing a seventh term in office.
International observers and civil society organisations have criticised the election process, while the opposition maintains that the vote was manipulated.
Wine Announces Exit in Video Message
In a video shared on X, the 44-year-old politician confirmed he had left the country.
“Fellow Ugandans and friends of Uganda all over the world, by the time you see this video, I will have left the country,” Wine said.
He did not reveal his current location, citing security concerns.
Wine had not been seen publicly since going into hiding, and his lawyer had earlier appealed to the United Nations and the wider international community to help guarantee his safety following threats and political repression linked to the election.
Plans to Push for Sanctions
While abroad, Wine said he plans to lobby the international community to impose sanctions against Uganda over alleged election irregularities and human rights violations.
He also announced that Lina Zedriga, his deputy in the National Unity Platform, will temporarily lead the party in his absence.
Wine accused President Museveni of manipulating the election results.
“Out of shame and lack of legitimacy, him and his son are searching for me everywhere,” he said.
“That is why I am leaving the country for a while.”
Rising Political Tensions
Wine also criticised Uganda’s security forces, claiming that authorities had spent large amounts of public funds trying to track him down.
He referenced controversial remarks by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son and the country’s army chief, who had previously posted messages on social media expressing hostility toward the opposition leader. Some of those posts were later deleted.
According to Wine, at least 30 opposition supporters were killed and around 2,000 arrested following the election.
Promise to Return
Despite leaving the country, Wine vowed to return.
“After all, I have not committed any crime. Running for president is not a crime,” he said.
“I will return and let the regime do whatever they want to me in full view of the world.”
The opposition leader has previously faced arrests and allegations of torture, including during the 2021 presidential election, where he also challenged Museveni’s long rule.
Wine remains one of the most prominent critics of Museveni, who has governed Uganda for nearly four decades.
