Uganda’s most prominent opposition presidential candidate, Bobi Wine, has declared that he is “not free,” raising concerns about his safety and the whereabouts of his close political allies just days after the country’s general elections.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Wine revealed that his home remains under siege and accused the current regime of attempting to hunt him down. He further disclosed that three of his four deputy presidents in the National Unity Platform (NUP) are either missing or detained.
Allies Missing and Detained
Wine detailed the plight of his colleagues:
- Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, Deputy President for Northern Uganda, has been missing since January 15, after being abducted from her home.
- Hon. Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba, Deputy President for Western Uganda, was abducted from Rukiga District on January 14 and remains missing.
- Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, Deputy President for Central Region, was arrested on January 22 and is currently held at Kira Division Police Station.
“I am not free. My home is still under siege, and the criminal regime is trying to hunt me down. And yet, three out of my four Deputy Presidents are also in detention,” Wine posted.
Despite the escalating crackdown, Wine urged his supporters to remain rooted in hope and faith, insisting that “the Ugandan struggle will end in victory.”
Allegations of Election Irregularities
The opposition leader’s outcry comes in the wake of Uganda’s general election, which Wine has described as marred by ballot stuffing, arrests, and abductions of party officials.
During the vote, Uganda experienced an internet shutdown, further fueling accusations of electoral malpractice. Wine wrote:
“Internet switched off. Massive ballot stuffing reported everywhere. Our leaders … arrested. Many of our polling agents and supervisors abducted, and others chased off polling stations. RISE TO THE OCCASION AND REJECT THE CRIMINAL REGIME.”
Voting Challenges Reported
The election, which saw President Yoweri Museveni extend his nearly four-decade grip on power, was plagued by technical and logistical issues. Reports indicated that:
- Polling stations in Kampala and Jinja opened late due to missing ballot papers and malfunctioning biometric voter machines.
- Crowds expressed frustration over delays and questioned the credibility of the process.
- According to David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP’s Secretary General, no voting took place in the morning across much of Kampala.
Museveni himself acknowledged experiencing difficulties while voting and promised to investigate the matter.
Pre-Election Crackdown
In the run-up to the polls, security forces under Museveni’s control frequently disrupted Wine’s campaign events using teargas, gunfire, and violent dispersals. At least one person was killed and hundreds of Wine’s supporters were arrested during the campaign period.
Conclusion
Bobi Wine’s latest revelations underscore the tense political climate in Uganda following the general election. With opposition leaders missing or detained, and widespread allegations of electoral malpractice, the country faces renewed scrutiny over democratic governance and human rights.
