Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly responded to questions surrounding the whereabouts of opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine, just days after Uganda’s general elections.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Muhoozi took to his official X account to reply to a query from Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 News International Editor, who pressed him on past remarks in which he had suggested that Bobi Wine could be the “23rd terrorist” he wished to execute.
“Thank you for responding. My question is: why did you say that you hoped @HEBobiwine would be the 23rd ‘terrorist’ that you killed?” Lindsey asked.
In response, Muhoozi shared past videos of Bobi Wine’s speeches, claiming that the opposition leader had described himself as a terrorist.
“He clearly stated how he is a terrorist. He will test what we give rebels in return,” Muhoozi said.
Bobi Wine: “I Am Not Free”
Muhoozi’s remarks came just moments after Bobi Wine himself raised alarm over his safety and the detention of his close allies.
Posting on his official X account, Wine revealed that his home remains under siege and accused the regime of trying to hunt him down.
“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 wrote.
Wine detailed the plight of his party’s leadership:
- Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, Deputy President for Northern Uganda, abducted from her home on January 15 and still missing.
- Hon. Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba, Deputy President for Western Uganda, abducted from Rukiga District on January 14 and remains missing.
- Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, Deputy President for Central Region, arrested on January 22 and currently held at Kira Division Police Station.
Despite the escalating crackdown, Wine urged his supporters to remain steadfast:
“As the persecution intensifies, may we remain rooted in hope and faith, that our struggle – the Ugandan struggle – will end in victory.”
Political Tensions Post-Election
The exchanges between Muhoozi and Wine underscore the heightened political tensions in Uganda following the general elections. Wine has accused the government of ballot stuffing, abductions, and intimidation of opposition officials, while Muhoozi has doubled down on his rhetoric against the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The unfolding situation has drawn international attention, with journalists and human rights advocates questioning the government’s handling of opposition leaders and the broader implications for Uganda’s democratic space.
Conclusion
As Uganda navigates the aftermath of its elections, the confrontation between Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Bobi Wine highlights the deep divisions in the country’s political landscape. With opposition leaders missing or detained and the military chief making controversial statements, the struggle for Uganda’s future remains fraught with uncertainty.
