Kampala, Uganda – In a dramatic turn of events, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has revealed that he narrowly escaped a police raid on his home amidst the ongoing political upheaval in the country.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the 38-year-old musician-turned-politician recounted the tense moments, stating that security forces had surrounded his residence in the capital, Kampala, shortly after the conclusion of the highly contested presidential election.
“They came to my house today, heavily armed – police, the military, everybody,” Wine told the news network. “My life is in danger. But I can assure you that I’m still strong, I’m still standing, and I’m still very much in the struggle.”
The election, which took place on 14th January, saw incumbent President Yoweri Museveni secure a sixth term in office, defeating Wine and a field of other challengers. However, the opposition leader has alleged widespread fraud and irregularities, calling the result a “complete sham.”
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has emerged as a prominent figure in Uganda’s political landscape, positioning himself as a voice for the country’s youth and a challenger to Museveni’s decades-long rule. His party, the National Unity Platform, has accused the government of using security forces to harass and intimidate opposition supporters.
Amid the ongoing tension, Wine stated that he was able to evade the police raid, though the details of his escape remain unclear. He has urged the international community to intervene, warning that the situation in Uganda is “very, very tense.”
The Ugandan government has dismissed the opposition’s claims of electoral fraud, with the country’s Electoral Commission declaring Museveni the winner with 58.6% of the vote. However, international observers, including the European Union, have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
As the political crisis continues to unfold, the safety and well-being of Bobi Wine and other opposition leaders remain a pressing concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, calling for a peaceful resolution and the protection of democratic rights in Uganda.
