Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has revealed that he fled the country and is currently abroad after fearing for his life following the country’s disputed January presidential election.
Speaking to the BBC from an undisclosed location after spending two months in hiding, the opposition figure said he believed the government intended to eliminate him. Wine, a pop star turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, claimed he had been protected by supporters during the time he remained in hiding.
The opposition leader has repeatedly accused Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, of rigging the election results in his favour. Museveni, 81, officially won the vote with 72% of the ballots, while his government has accused the opposition of attempting to overturn the results through violent protests.
During the interview, Wine said ordinary citizens helped him survive while he was in hiding by providing food, clothing, and shelter. He also alleged that there had been several attempts on his life, claiming the president’s son had openly threatened him.
Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who leads the country’s military, previously posted messages on X stating that Wine was “wanted dead or alive.” The posts were later deleted, and government officials have denied claims that security forces were actively searching for him.
Wine says he still feels unsafe even outside Uganda, arguing that the government has the ability to pursue political opponents beyond the country’s borders.
He declined to reveal how or when he left Uganda, saying doing so could endanger those who helped him escape. According to him, his family had already left the country earlier for safety reasons.
Despite being outside Uganda, Wine said he would continue leading his opposition movement, the National Unity Platform, from abroad. He named his deputy, Lina Zedriga, as temporary leader on the ground while he coordinates political activities from outside the country.
Wine has also called for targeted international sanctions against President Museveni, alleging that authorities have raided the homes of his supporters and set up roadblocks while searching for him. He claims his residence in Kampala remains surrounded by the military.
Although protests erupted after the election results were announced, Wine insists he has committed no crime, stating that running for president should not be treated as an offense.
