Uganda’s leading opposition figure, Bobi Wine, has said he narrowly escaped arrest after soldiers and police operatives stormed his residence in Magere.
Wine, who is contesting the presidency for a second time against long-ruling President Yoweri Museveni, said his home was targeted in a coordinated security operation involving both the military and the police.
In a statement shared on X, the opposition leader disclosed that electricity was cut off, surveillance systems were tampered with, and helicopters were deployed over the area during the raid.
“Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere,” he said.
“The military and police raided us; they switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras, and helicopters were hovering over.”
Wine said he managed to avoid arrest and is no longer at his residence.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them,” he said.
“Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.”
According to him, security agents are now searching for him nationwide, forcing him to take precautions for his safety.
“I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” Wine said.
He explained that reports claiming he had been abducted were triggered by the late-night raid on his home and the nationwide internet shutdown.
“Given the commotion that happened at our house at night, and given that no one is allowed to access the house, our neighbours concluded that they had succeeded in abducting us and spread the news,” he said.
Wine also rejected the presidential election results being announced by the chairman of the electoral commission.
“I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading,” he said.
He accused authorities of widespread electoral malpractice, including ballot box stuffing, military interference, and the detention of opposition figures and polling officials.
“In addition to the ballot stuffing, the military takeover of the election, the detention of our leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, their results have zero backing,” he said.
The opposition leader further condemned the killing of citizens protesting the conduct of the election.
“We condemn the murder of numerous citizens who have thus far attempted to peacefully demonstrate against the broad daylight thuggery,” he said.
“The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice.”
Wine also alleged that candidates of his National Unity Platform (NUP) were being targeted, even in areas where the party had clear evidence of victory.
“NUP candidates are being targeted, even when they have 100 percent evidence that they won,” he said.
Describing the situation as intolerable, Wine vowed that the struggle would continue.
“This is absolute madness. The people of Uganda will ultimately win,” he added.
President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking to secure a seventh consecutive term in office.
