Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has announced that he has temporarily left Uganda after spending close to two months in hiding following the country’s most recent presidential election, which he insists was manipulated.
In a statement shared on Saturday, Kyagulanyi said he had stayed out of public sight shortly after the January presidential vote. He explained that the situation surrounding the election and actions by security agencies forced him to disappear from public view.
According to the opposition leader, the decision to go into hiding came after what he described as security operations aimed at him and members of his political camp.
He said security officers moved to his residence soon after the election in what he termed an attempt to intimidate him. Kyagulanyi said he managed to avoid the operation and remained hidden while authorities continued to look for him.
The politician claimed the search for him extended across different areas and involved actions targeting his allies and fellow leaders.
“Over the past two months, they have looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks of vehicles and motorcycles,” he said.
"Well, they couldn't find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me."
Kyagulanyi also said his rural home had been raided during the period he was in hiding and that his main residence remained under watch by security officers.
In a separate video message posted online, the opposition leader revealed that he had already left Uganda by the time the message was made public.
“By the time you see this video, I will have left the country for some critical engagements outside Uganda and at the right time, I will come back and continue the cause,” he said.
He said that during the weeks he remained out of sight, he received support from ordinary citizens who helped him avoid detection by security agencies.
“I thank all fellow Ugandans who have concealed and protected me for all this time when the regime was looking for me—those who clothed, fed me and offered me shelter,” he said, adding that he would not reveal their identities for their safety.
Kyagulanyi also expressed appreciation to members of his family and religious leaders whom he said offered him spiritual encouragement during the difficult period.
He explained that his temporary departure from Uganda would allow him to engage with international allies and supporters before returning to continue his political struggle.
Despite the situation, the opposition leader urged his supporters to stay united and remain focused on their cause.
“For now, let’s remain focused and united,” he added.
Kyagulanyi, a former musician who later joined politics, has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of long-serving Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni.
