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Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has reportedly left Uganda and entered a neighbouring East African country about a week ago, according to officials familiar with the situation.
Sources say Kyagulanyi quietly departed the country after several days of heightened political tension. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that authorities had received information suggesting the opposition figure crossed the border roughly seven days earlier.
The reported departure follows Kyagulanyi’s announcement on January 16 that he had gone into hiding, claiming that security forces had raided his residence in Magere and that he feared for his personal safety.
Since then, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has issued several statements on social media alleging that he is being targeted by state security agencies — claims the Ugandan government has strongly denied.
Speaking last week, Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, said Kyagulanyi was not being pursued by security forces.
“On behalf of the government of Uganda, Kyagulanyi is not a wanted man,” Baryomunsi said. “No security organ, including the police, the army or any other state agency, is pursuing him.”
The minister urged the opposition leader to return home and conduct his political activities within the law, noting that other former presidential candidates continue to live peacefully in the country.
“There’s no need for him to be in hiding. Nobody wants him. He is free to return to his home and observe law and order,” Baryomunsi added.
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, also dismissed Kyagulanyi’s decision to go into hiding, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
“No one is looking for Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,” Nabbanja said. “He should stop the comedy and return home to his family,” she added, characterizing the move as political theatrics.
Kyagulanyi, who has contested the presidency twice, lost the 2021 Ugandan presidential election to incumbent Yoweri Museveni, but he rejected the results, alleging widespread vote rigging and electoral irregularities.
He also accused security forces of raiding his home and assaulting his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi. The allegations were dismissed by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, who said the military does not target women.
Kyagulanyi Announces Temporary Exit
In a statement addressed to supporters, Kyagulanyi said he had decided to briefly leave the country to engage international allies while continuing to advocate for political change in Uganda.
“Fellow Ugandans and friends of Uganda,” he said. “Two months ago, Yoweri Museveni yet again usurped the will of the people of Uganda and declared himself president at gunpoint. A day later, gripped by shame and fear, the military invaded my home to harm me, but I was able to evade them and go into hiding.”
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Kyagulanyi claimed that security forces had spent weeks searching for him across the country.
“Over the past two months, the regime has looked for me everywhere,” he said. “They have raided the homes of many colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks of vehicles and motorcycles, arrested and dismissed the police officers assigned to my campaign, raided our home in the village, and kept my home under siege.”
He added that he was able to remain hidden with the support of ordinary Ugandans.
“They couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he said.
Kyagulanyi described his departure as temporary and part of a broader effort to mobilize international support.
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“Today, I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy.”
He concluded his message by urging supporters to remain united in the struggle for political change.
“For now, let’s remain focused and united,” he said, ending his statement with the rallying call #FreeUgandaNow.
Kyagulanyi has not publicly confirmed his exact location, and officials from the National Unity Platform have also declined to comment on his whereabouts.
