Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, reportedly left Uganda and entered a neighbouring East African country about a week ago, according to officials familiar with the situation.
Sources indicate that Kyagulanyi quietly departed the country following several days of heightened political tension. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that authorities had received information suggesting the opposition figure crossed the border roughly seven days earlier.
The reported departure comes after Kyagulanyi announced on January 16 that he had gone into hiding, claiming security forces had raided his residence in Magere and that he feared for his personal safety.
Since then, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has issued multiple statements on social media alleging that he is being targeted by state security agencies. The Ugandan government, however, has strongly denied the claims.
Speaking last week, Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, said Kyagulanyi is not being pursued by security forces.
“On behalf of the government of Uganda, Kyagulanyi is not a wanted man,” Baryomunsi said. “No security organ, including the police, the army, or any other state agency, is pursuing him.”
The minister urged the opposition leader to return home and conduct his political activities within the framework of the law, noting that other former presidential candidates continue to live peacefully in the country.
“There’s no need for him to be in hiding. Nobody wants him. He is free to return to his home and observe law and order,” Baryomunsi added.
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, also dismissed Kyagulanyi’s decision to go into hiding, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
“No one is looking for Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,” Nabbanja said. “He should stop the comedy and return home to his family,” she added, characterizing the move as political theatrics.
Kyagulanyi, who has contested the presidency twice, lost the 2021 Ugandan presidential election to incumbent Yoweri Museveni. He has since rejected the election results, alleging widespread vote rigging and electoral irregularities.
The opposition leader also claimed that security forces raided his home and assaulted his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi. The allegations were denied by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, who said the military does not target women.
Kyagulanyi has not publicly confirmed reports that he has left Uganda, and officials from the National Unity Platform have remained silent about his whereabouts.
Related
hoimapost.co.ug, https://hoimapost.co.ug/breaking-news-bobi-wine-flees-uganda-after-days-in-hiding/
