Bobi Wine Reportedly Leaves Uganda

The reported departure follows days of heightened tension after Kyagulanyi said he went into hiding on January 16, citing a military raid on his Magere home and fears for his personal safety

Bobi Wine speaking during a rally in Luwero last year

KAMPALA — Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, reportedly left Uganda and entered a neighbouring East African country, about a week ago, according to officials familiar with the matter, even as government leaders insisted he was not being chased by state security agencies.

“That’s the information we are getting now,” one official said.

“He left Uganda about seven days ago.”

The reported departure follows days of heightened tension after Kyagulanyi said he went into hiding on January 16, citing a military raid on his Magere home and fears for his personal safety.

Since then, he has issued frequent statements on social media claiming he is being targeted by state agencies — allegations the government has repeatedly denied.

However, Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, last week said Kyagulanyi was not a wanted man and has no reason to remain in hiding.

“On behalf of the government of Uganda, Kyagulanyi is not a wanted man,” Baryomunsi said.

“No security organ, including the police, the army or any other state agency, is pursuing him.”

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Baryomunsi urged the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader to return home and carry out his activities within the law, noting that other former presidential candidates continue to live peacefully in the country.

“There’s no need for him to be in hiding. Nobody wants him. He is free to come from wherever he is hiding, return to his home, and observe law and order.”

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, also described Bobi’s decision to go into hiding as unnecessary and politically motivated.

“No one is looking for Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,” Nabbanja said.

“He should stop the comedy and return home to his family,” she added, characterising his actions as political theatrics.

Kyagulanyi, a two-time presidential candidate, lost the January 15 presidential election to incumbent Yoweri Museveni but has rejected the results, alleging widespread vote rigging and electoral irregularities.

Kyagulanyi said security forces raided his home and assaulted his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, allegations that were dismissed by the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said the military does not target women.

Kyagulanyi has not publicly confirmed reports that he has left the country, and his party officials maintain silence on his whereabouts.