Uganda’s political climate has intensified after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly demanded that opposition leader Bobi Wine present himself to police within 48 hours, sparking a sharp response from the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader.
The standoff comes amid a tense post-election period, with both sides exchanging accusations over alleged security operations.
Muhoozi warned that failing to comply with his demand would see Bobi Wine treated “as an outlaw or rebel.”
He clarified that the ultimatum was entirely his personal action, stating, “I exonerate my great and venerable father from what I’m going to do to Kabobi (Bobi Wine).”
Bobi Wine quickly fired back, saying the security forces had targeted his home in Magere in an operation meant to harm him.
“You ordered the raid on my house to harm me,” he wrote, describing how he narrowly avoided capture. He also criticised the authorities for what he called “atrocities against Ugandans” and insisted he would reappear on his own terms.
“Anyway, I will resurface when I decide. Then you and your father can do whatever you want to me. But make no mistake – You will never escape the inevitable consequences of your atrocities against the people of Uganda. This is our country,” he added.
The opposition leader detailed the operation, describing a night-time military and police raid that included power cuts, interference with CCTV cameras, and helicopters hovering above his residence.
“Last night (Friday night) was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off the power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. Helicopters were hovering over,” he said.
While Bobi Wine managed to escape, his wife and family members remained confined. “I want to confirm that I managed to escape. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest,” he said, adding that security personnel were “looking for me everywhere.”
Police dismissed the allegations, labelling them misleading.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke called the claims “deceitful and incisive allegations intended to depict the security agencies as brutal and violators of the rights of a political candidate.”
Bobi Wine attributed the widespread rumours about his whereabouts to the nationwide internet shutdown and heavy security at his residence.
“Given the commotion that happened at our house at night, and given that no one is allowed to access the house, our neighbours concluded that they had succeeded in abducting us and spread the news,” he explained, sharing photos that he said documented the military presence, some taken Friday night and others Saturday morning.
