Uganda's political landscape is gripped by tension as opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, announced he is in hiding after escaping a police raid on his home. This dramatic development unfolds as the country awaits the final results of a presidential election held under a nationwide internet blackout, with long-serving President Yoweri Museveni poised to extend his four-decade rule.
Opposition Leader Flees, Family Under House Arrest
The situation escalated on Friday night when security forces, including police and the army, reportedly raided Bobi Wine's residence. In a post on the social media platform X on Saturday, the 43-year-old former singer-turned-politician confirmed he managed to evade capture. "I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them," Wine stated. "Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest."
He added that he believes authorities are actively searching for him and that he is doing his best to stay safe. The claims about the raid and his whereabouts have been conflicting, adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty. A heavy security presence was visible around the capital, Kampala, with forces moving people off the streets in an apparent bid to prevent post-election protests.
Museveni's Commanding Lead and Election Day Violence
With over 90% of votes counted by Saturday, the Electoral Commission showed President Yoweri Museveni, 81, holding a commanding lead of 71.9%. Bobi Wine trailed with 24.5% of the vote. The election, held on Thursday, has been marred by reports of violence and intimidation targeting the opposition.
Muwanga Kivumbi, a member of parliament for Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) party, told AFP that security forces killed 10 of his campaign agents after storming his home in the Butambala area. Police offered a different account, stating an unspecified number of people were "put out of action" when they alleged opposition members planned to attack a local tally centre and police station.
Bobi Wine has accused the government of "massive ballot stuffing" and attacking his party officials under the cover of the internet blackout, which was imposed just before polling began and remained active on Saturday.
International Observers Denounce Intimidation
A team of African election observers, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, presented their preliminary findings on Saturday. While they said they saw no evidence of ballot-stuffing, they strongly denounced the climate of fear. Jonathan reported "reports of intimidation, arrest and abductions" against opposition figures and civil society, which he said eroded public trust.
He also criticized the government-ordered shutdown of the internet, stating it "disrupted effective observation" and "increased suspicion" around the electoral process. The observer mission represented the African Union, COMESA, and IGAD.
Analysts have long viewed the election as a formality, given Museveni's firm control over the state and security apparatus. The other major opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, was abducted in Kenya in 2024 and faces an ongoing treason trial in a Ugandan military court.
As Uganda braces for the final declaration of results, the combination of a leading candidate in hiding, reported fatalities, and a severed communication network paints a picture of a deeply troubled democratic exercise.
