By Spy Uganda
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has announced that he has temporarily left the country to pursue what he described as “critical engagements” abroad following the disputed outcome of the 2026 Ugandan Presidential Election.
In a video message addressed to Ugandans and supporters around the world, the leader of the National Unity Platform said his move was part of a broader strategy to advance the struggle for democracy and accountability on international platforms.
“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 with the cause,” Kyagulanyi said, assuring supporters that his departure was temporary.
The opposition figure used the message to thank individuals who he said helped protect and support him while he remained in hiding for several weeks following the election. He expressed gratitude to ordinary citizens who offered him shelter, food, and clothing during what he described as a period of intense pursuit by security agencies.
“I thank all of you fellow Ugandans who have concealed and protected me… those who fed me, clothed me and offered me shelter,” he said, adding that he would not mention names for their safety.
Kyagulanyi also extended appreciation to some members of the security forces who he claimed quietly provided information that helped him stay safe, as well as religious leaders who supported him spiritually during the period.
The politician reiterated his long-standing claim that he won the recent election but that the results were manipulated in favor of the incumbent, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986. Kyagulanyi alleged that the government has since deployed extensive security operations to locate and arrest him.
According to him, security teams have conducted multiple raids targeting his associates and supporters. He cited a recent incident in which security officers allegedly raided the home of his personal assistant, Don Sheriff Najja, and reportedly abducted Najja’s wife when they failed to find the two men.
Kyagulanyi further claimed that several police officers who had been assigned to him during the election campaign were later arrested and dismissed from the force after allegedly refusing to spy on him beyond the period of their official assignment.
He also recounted what he described as raids on his own home shortly after the election, during which he said security forces assaulted family members, damaged property, and maintained a continued military presence around the residence.
The opposition leader said his trip abroad is aimed at mobilizing international support and lobbying foreign governments and institutions to respond to alleged human rights violations in Uganda.
“We decided to fight back not only within the country but also internationally,” he said, adding that he hopes to push for targeted sanctions against officials he accuses of undermining democratic processes.
Kyagulanyi revealed that while he carries out engagements abroad, leadership of the opposition movement will temporarily be handled by his deputy, Lina Zedriga, who he said would serve in an acting capacity after recently being released from detention.
He concluded his message by urging supporters to remain united and peaceful while continuing to advocate for political change.
“For now, I ask you comrades to remain firm, remain united and keep the hope alive,” he said, ending with the slogan of his political movement: “People Power, Our Power.”
The government has not yet publicly responded to the latest claims made by the opposition leader.
