Military: Bobi Wine Arrest Claims a ‘Smokescreen’

Uganda’s military has dismissed allegations by opposition leader Bobi Wine that security agencies plan to arrest him ahead of his planned rally in Mbale City, calling the claims a “smokescreen”.

In a statement issued on Friday, Col Chris Magezi, the acting spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), said there were no plans by interagency security services to arrest the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader.

“This is certainly a smoke screen. What is NUP and their leader planning by coming up with this type of empty talk? The timing?” Magezi said.

“We are watching closely whatever the machinations might be, and we will be ready to take appropriate action if needed. Otherwise, the interagency security services can categorically state that there are no such plans whatsoever to arrest Mr. Kyagulanyi at this point – unless he offends the law, of course,” he added.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, earlier alleged that security agencies were planning to arrest him and provoke violence in Mbale City and neighbouring districts to justify a crackdown on his supporters ahead of the January 15, 2026 elections.

He drew comparisons with the November 2020 unrest that followed his arrest during the previous election cycle, when dozens of people were killed, according to rights groups.

The allegations came as NUP prepared to hold a major rally in Mbale, a key opposition stronghold in eastern Uganda where the party has previously enjoyed strong support.

Uganda’s election periods are often marked by heavy security deployments, arrests of opposition figures and restrictions on rallies, which authorities say are necessary to maintain public order.

Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the state of intimidation and repression, claims the government denies.