Ugandan opposition leader says he escaped military manhunt

Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine said on March 14th that he has left the country to evade what he described as a military-driven manhunt that began after January’s controversial presidential election, as reported by Africa News and agencies.

The situation has heightened worries about the safety of the widely supported politician who ran against longtime president Yoweri Museveni.

In a video Wine shared on X, he claimed he had been in hiding for several weeks after soldiers stormed his home the day after the January 15th election.

“By the time you see this video, I will have left the country,” he said, thanking Ugandans who “concealed and protected me.” He did not reveal where he had gone but promised he would return “at the right time.”

The search effort has reportedly been led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and widely seen as his likely successor. On X, he posted threats directed at Wine, describing him as a “baboon” and “terrorist.”

While police say they are not looking for Wine, the army chief has indicated that he may be wanted in connection with unspecified offences.

In January of this year Wine’s wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, reported she had been attacked in their home by dozens of armed men who harassed her while demanding information about his whereabouts. She had refused to cooperate or unlock her phone.

Wine, whose birth name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has rejected the official results that credited Museveni with 71.6% of the vote. 

The 81-year-old leader, Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, is expected to be sworn in for a seventh term in May.

Among younger Ugandans frustrated by joblessness and corruption, Wine has become a powerful emblem of the political change many hope to see.

Africa News and agencies, Maghrebi.org