Bobi Wine Surfaces in Washington After Weeks in Hiding, Begins U.S. Engagements

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has surfaced in the United States, confirming he left the country after nearly two months in hiding following the disputed 2026 presidential election.

Kyagulanyi said on Saturday he had begun international engagements in Washington, D.C., sharing an image of himself at the U.S. Capitol, signaling his first confirmed public appearance since election day.

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

The photo shows Kyagulanyi dressed in a suit and tie, holding a black folder, standing on the lawns in front of the iconic white dome of the U.S. Capitol building under clear blue skies, an image that underscores his shift from underground political survival to international advocacy.

Earlier, Kyagulanyi had announced that he fled Uganda after security forces allegedly raided his residence in Magere shortly after President Yoweri Museveni was declared winner of the election.

“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 added that during his time in hiding, security agencies conducted widespread operations to locate him, including mounting roadblocks, carrying out vehicle checks, and targeting his associates.

“Over the past two months, the regime has looked for me everywhere,” he said, accusing authorities of raiding homes of colleagues, arresting and dismissing police officers attached to his campaign, and maintaining a siege around his residence.

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The developments come against the backdrop of heightened security activity in Kampala and surrounding areas, where joint deployments of Military Police and Uganda Police triggered public concern.

In places like Gayaza, residents recently reported soldiers stopping vehicles, fueling speculation that security forces were searching for the opposition leader.

However, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) dismissed those claims.

Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, said the operations were routine traffic enforcement measures.

“This is to dismiss the insinuations from some quarters that the snap checkpoints mounted by the Military and Uganda Police traffic corps are an effort to apprehend NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,” Magezi said. “No one is looking for or interested in the NUP leader.”

Meanwhile, Kyagulanyi’s wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, and several family members recently traveled to the United States after soldiers raided their home in Magere.

Kyagulanyi said his stay abroad 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.