Political tensions in Uganda have escalated sharply after the country’s army chief issued public threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine, amid an intensified crackdown on dissent following President Yoweri Museveni’s controversial re-election. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and son of President Museveni, sparked outrage after posting inflammatory messages on social media targeting the opposition leader, days after Wine said he had gone into hiding following a security operation at his home.
Disputed Election Outcome
President Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of last week’s presidential election with 71.6 per cent of the vote, securing an eighth term in office. His closest challenger, Bobi Wine — a former pop star turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi — was officially placed second with 24 per cent. The results have been strongly contested by the opposition and criticised by election observers and human rights organisations, who cited irregularities and widespread intimidation.
Army Chief’s Remarks Spark Condemnation
In a series of late-night posts on X, General Kainerugaba made direct threats against Wine and members of his National Unity Platform (NUP) party. In one message, he gave the opposition leader an ultimatum to surrender to the police, warning that failure to do so would result in severe consequences.
The army chief claimed the statements were made in his personal capacity, distancing President Museveni from the remarks. He later escalated his rhetoric further with posts that drew widespread condemnation from civil society and rights groups. Kainerugaba is known for his provocative online commentary and has previously made threats against opposition figures, raising concerns about the military’s role in Uganda’s political affairs.
Bobi Wine Responds
Bobi Wine accused security forces of targeting him in an attempt to cause him harm, saying his residence in Magere was raided in a coordinated operation involving police and military officers. He described a night-time raid that included power outages, interference with surveillance systems and helicopters hovering above his home. Wine said he narrowly escaped and later left the premises to ensure he could continue speaking out.
Wine added that his wife remains under apparent house arrest, while his own whereabouts have not been disclosed. In a televised address, Wine accused authorities of vandalising his property and vowed to continue opposing what he described as repression and abuse of power.
Wider Crackdown on Opposition
The confrontation comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition supporters. According to court records and party officials, at least 118 members of the National Unity Platform were charged in Kampala on Monday with offences including unlawful assembly and conspiracy. NUP secretary-general David Rubongoya rejected claims that the party’s supporters were involved in violence, saying many of those arrested were accredited polling agents.
Protests and Rights Concerns
Small protests erupted in parts of Kampala following the announcement of the election results, but police quickly dispersed crowds using teargas and arrests. Ahead of the vote, the United Nations Human Rights Office accused Uganda’s security forces of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and abductions targeting opposition supporters.
A Long Rule Continues
President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is Africa’s third-longest-serving head of state. His latest victory means he could remain in office until 2031, potentially extending his rule to nearly five decades. Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform have rejected the election outcome, alleging ballot manipulation, intimidation of voters, enforced disappearances of polling agents and widespread repression.
