URGENT UPDATE: Tensions in Uganda escalate as the nation’s army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has accused U.S. Embassy officials of providing assistance to opposition leader Bobi Wine, who has gone into hiding following a controversial presidential election. This alarming allegation comes just days after the January 15, 2023 election, which saw Yoweri Museveni officially garnering 71.6% of the vote, while Wine secured 24.7%.
In a series of incendiary posts on X, Kainerugaba claimed that “unimaginative bureaucrats at the Embassy” have undermined Uganda’s security relations with the United States. He suggested that Wine, also known as Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, “kidnapped himself” and is now missing, purportedly in collaboration with U.S. officials. The U.S. Embassy has not yet responded to these serious accusations.
Wine, a prominent figure among Uganda’s youth and a vocal critic of the government, has been in hiding for nearly ten days, citing fears for his safety. He previously campaigned in a flak jacket and helmet due to threats from the government. In his absence, Wine has shared several videos on social media, expressing his plight and challenging the military’s efforts to locate him.
Kainerugaba’s rhetoric intensified as he declared, “We are most certainly hunting Kabobi,” using a derogatory term for Wine. He ominously stated that Wine is “wanted dead or alive,” raising fears among Ugandans of potential unrest should anything happen to the opposition leader. Supporters of Wine, many of whom are disillusioned by the long-standing regime, are closely monitoring the situation.
The military has not disclosed any formal charges against Wine, despite the heightened pursuit. Both police and the information minister have stated that he has committed no crime. Wine retorted in a recent video, “The whole army is looking for one person…but they have failed to find me,” implying that the government’s strength is overstated.
Kainerugaba’s comments have drawn widespread alarm, especially considering the tense political climate post-election. Hundreds of Wine’s supporters have reportedly been detained following the election, and one of his deputies, Muwanga Kivumbi, has been charged with terrorism. Kainerugaba also took responsibility for a January 23 raid on Wine’s home, during which Wine’s wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, claimed she was injured and hospitalized due to the soldiers’ actions—an assertion Kainerugaba denied.
As the situation continues to develop, observers are urged to remain vigilant. The potential for unrest is significant, particularly given Wine’s popularity among the youth, who are increasingly frustrated with government corruption and a lack of economic opportunities.
The international community is watching closely as these events unfold, with implications for Uganda’s future stability and its relationships with foreign powers. What happens next will be crucial for both the government and the opposition as they navigate this growing crisis.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
