Uganda is experiencing heightened political tension following last week’s disputed presidential election, as authorities intensify a crackdown on dissent and the military openly threatens opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, made headlines this week with a series of incendiary posts on X (formerly Twitter), openly threatening Wine’s life. His remarks come just days after Wine revealed that he had gone into hiding following a security raid on his home.
Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the election with 71.6% of the vote, securing an unprecedented eighth term. Wine, 43, a former pop star turned politician, finished second with 24% according to official results a tally widely criticized by election observers and human rights organizations for alleged irregularities.
In one post, Kainerugaba wrote: “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists since last week. I’m praying the 23rd is Kabobi,” using a derogatory nickname for Wine and referring to his National Unity Platform (NUP) party. In a subsequent post, he gave Wine “48 hours to surrender” to police, threatening to treat him as an outlaw if he failed to do so. He emphasized that the ultimatum was his personal action, stating that he exonerated his father from any responsibility.
The army chief’s rhetoric escalated further with a controversial post in which he lamented the relatively low number of casualties caused by security forces during the election period:
“Personally, I’m embarrassed by our record. 22 killed in one week is too low. I promise to do better.”
Wine responded quickly, accusing authorities of targeting his home in Magere to harm him. Describing a night-time raid involving power cuts, interference with CCTV cameras, and hovering helicopters, Wine detailed his narrow escape while noting that his wife remains under house arrest. In a televised message aired on NTV Uganda, he condemned the destruction of his property and insisted he would resurface on his own terms:
“You will never escape the inevitable consequences of your atrocities against the people of Uganda. This is our country.”
The tense environment is compounded by a widening crackdown on opposition supporters. At least 118 NUP members were charged with offences including unlawful assembly, conspiracy, and possession of election materials in Kampala courts. NUP officials insisted many of those arrested were accredited polling agents, not instigators of violence.
Protests erupted in parts of Kampala following the announcement of Museveni’s victory but were quickly dispersed by police using teargas and mass detentions. Prior to the election, the United Nations Human Rights Office raised concerns over the use of live ammunition against peaceful rallies and the arbitrary arrest and abduction of opposition supporters.
Museveni has been in power since 1986, making him Africa’s third-longest-serving head of state. If he completes his latest term, his rule will extend nearly 50 years, by 2031. The NUP and its supporters have rejected the election results, citing ballot stuffing, intimidation, and enforced disappearances.
Uganda now faces a period of political uncertainty, with opposition forces constrained and the military openly threatening dissenters. International observers and human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability and peaceful resolution.
