Bobi Wine: Security Officers Helped Me Escape Uganda After Election

Bobi Wine in an interview with France 24

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has said he fled Uganda after the January 15 presidential election with the help of sympathetic security officers, offering new details about his escape in an interview with FRANCE24.

Kyagulanyi, who resurfaced in the United States this week after nearly two months in hiding, said he slipped out of his home in Magere on January 16 following a military raid.

“Well to be exact, I escaped from my home on the 16th of January, just one day after the election following a raid on my house,” he said.

He claimed the operation was ordered by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Museveni, who was declared winner of the election.

“I made my way out of my house and I was in hiding for almost two months following not private but public orders for my execution,” Kyagulanyi said.

During that time, he said he moved between safe houses while evading security forces.

He also alleged that his home was raided again, his wife assaulted and hospitalised, and security personnel deployed around his residence.

Gen Muhoozi denied reports that a specialised unit of the armed forces assaulted Barbie Kyagulanyi, saying UPDF soldiers don’t beat up women.

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Kyagulanyi said ordinary Ugandans played a key role in protecting him, but added that he also received assistance from within the state security apparatus.

“Most importantly, the people of Uganda shielded me… But most importantly, I had assistance from security people that I will not mention from within the regime who are not in agreement with the way our country is being run,” he said.

He did not name the officers involved or disclose the route he used to leave the country.

His remarks come as political tensions remain high following the election, which the National Unity Platform (NUP) says was marred by heavy military deployment, arrests of supporters and internet shutdowns.

The party has rejected the results, describing the process as conducted “at gunpoint.”

The government has consistently dismissed such claims and maintains that the election was conducted lawfully.

Security officials have also rejected suggestions that Kyagulanyi was being actively pursued after the vote.

UPDF spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi said recently that roadblocks and vehicle checks mounted in and around Kampala were routine operations.

“No one is looking for or interested in the NUP leader,” Magezi said.

Kyagulanyi, now in Washington, says he will continue engaging international actors before returning to Uganda “at the right time” to pursue what he calls the struggle for democracy.