Bobi Wine, a leading Ugandan opposition figure, announced on Saturday that he has left the country after spending months in hiding following the disputed January presidential election.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said in a video posted on the social media platform X that he had departed Uganda due to safety concerns.
“Fellow Ugandans and friends of Uganda all over the world, by the time you see this video, I will have left the country,” the 44-year-old said.
Wine went into hiding after the January 15 presidential election, in which incumbent Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner and secured a seventh term in power.
The election results have been widely criticised by international observers and civil society groups, while Wine and his supporters insist the vote was rigged.
His lawyer had earlier called on the United Nations and the international community to ensure his safety following death threats and a violent crackdown on opposition supporters after the election, which was also marked by an internet blackout.
In his video statement, Wine said he intends to advocate for sanctions against Uganda while abroad, accusing the government of repression and electoral fraud.
He also announced that his deputy, Lina Zedriga, would temporarily take over leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party during his absence.
Wine claimed that President Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba — Uganda’s army chief — had been searching for him since the election.
“Out of shame and lack of legitimacy, him and his son are searching for me everywhere,” Wine said.
“And that’s why I’m leaving the country for a while.”
Kainerugaba had previously posted a message on X saying he wanted Wine dead, although the post was later deleted. He had also praised security operations that reportedly led to the deaths of at least 30 opposition supporters and the arrest of around 2,000 others following the election.
Despite leaving the country, Wine insisted his departure was temporary and vowed to return.
“After my time abroad, I will return to Uganda and let the regime do whatever they want to me in full view of the world,” he said.
“After all, I have not committed any crime. Running for president is not a crime.”
Wine previously faced detention and alleged torture during the 2021 election period, drawing international attention to the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
