Uganda Opposition Leader Confirms Safety Amid Military Crackdown and Internet Shutdown
Uganda’s opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Bobi Wine, has confirmed that he narrowly escaped a late-night military and police raid on his home in Magere, describing the incident as terrifying and unlawful
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In a strongly worded statement released amid a nationwide internet shutdown, Bobi Wine revealed that security forces stormed his residence under the cover of darkness, cutting off electricity, disabling CCTV cameras, and deploying helicopters overhead. According to him, the operation appeared aimed at abducting or arresting him.
“I managed to escape and I am currently not at home,” Bobi Wine stated, adding that his wife and other family members remain under house arrest, unable to leave or receive visitors.
The opposition leader explained that confusion following the raid led neighbours to believe he had been abducted, a rumour that spread rapidly due to the lack of internet access across the country.
Bobi Wine rejected in strong terms the presidential election results being announced by Electoral Commission chairman Simon Byabakama, describing them as fraudulent and illegitimate. He accused the authorities of ballot stuffing, militarisation of the electoral process, unlawful detention of opposition leaders, and widespread electoral malpractice.
“These results have zero backing,” he insisted.
He further condemned the killing of Ugandan citizens who have attempted to peacefully protest what he described as the “blatant theft” of the election, stressing that Ugandans have a constitutional right to demonstrate in defence of their sovereignty.
According to Bobi Wine, NUP candidates across multiple constituencies are being targeted and arrested despite clear evidence of electoral victory, calling the situation “absolute madness.”
Despite the intimidation, the opposition leader ended his statement on a defiant note:
“The people of Uganda will ultimately win.”
