Bobi Wine, Uganda’s leading opposition figure, remains in hiding nearly three weeks after the disputed presidential election, as a social media feud with the country’s military chief escalates. Wine fled his home on 16 January following what he described as a raid by police and military, leaving his family behind.
His wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, reported that armed men later assaulted her during a search for her husband. The main challenger to President Yoweri Museveni, Wine has rejected official results and called for protests. Hundreds of his supporters have been arrested.
From his hideout, Wine has taunted General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son and military commander. Kainerugaba responded with deleted posts calling for Wine to be caught “dead or alive” and threatening to kill him. He also accused the US embassy of helping Wine hide, before apologising.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces denied pursuing Wine, with a spokesperson stating they are “not interested” in the drama. Political analyst Timothy Kalyegira suggested Wine’s decision to go into hiding was strategic, citing past house arrests of opposition figures.
Wine has vowed to resurface at an “appropriate time” and warned the regime to relinquish power peacefully, saying they will face the fate of all despots before them.
