URGENT UPDATE: Uganda’s army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has accused U.S. Embassy officials of aiding opposition leader Bobi Wine as he goes into hiding, escalating political tensions just days after a disputed presidential election. This shocking claim comes amid fears for Wine’s safety, raising alarms among Ugandans about the potential for unrest.
In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, criticized “unimaginative bureaucrats” at the U.S. Embassy, alleging they have long “undermined” security ties between Uganda and Washington. He claimed that Wine had “kidnapped himself” and accused him of coordinating with embassy officials to evade capture.
The U.S. Embassy has not commented on these allegations. Wine, who ran against Museveni in the January 15, 2023 election, received 24.7% of the vote according to results he deems fraudulent. Museveni, who secured 71.6% of the votes, is set to serve a seventh term, driving him closer to five decades in power.
Wine has been in hiding since the election, expressing fears for his life. He has posted videos from various locations in Uganda, criticizing the government and mocking the military for their inability to locate him. Most recently, he shared footage after visiting a family graveyard, emphasizing his ongoing plight.
Kainerugaba’s posts took a menacing tone, stating Wine is “wanted dead or alive,” which has raised significant concern among Ugandans who fear for Wine’s safety and the implications of such threats. His popularity among young urban voters, many of whom are dissatisfied with government corruption and economic stagnation, makes the situation even more volatile.
“We are most certainly hunting Kabobi,” Kainerugaba stated, using a derogatory nickname for Wine. He warned that any “foreign powers” attempting to assist Wine in fleeing the country would face severe consequences to diplomatic relations.
Wine has countered these threats, claiming that the military’s failure to find him proves their weakness. “It’s now coming to 10 days, but they have failed to find me,” he declared in a video, asserting that this reveals the government’s true lack of power.
The military has not disclosed the specific charges against Wine, with both police and the information minister confirming he has committed no crime. However, the crackdown on Wine’s supporters continues, with hundreds reportedly detained for alleged offenses during and after the election.
Kainerugaba also acknowledged responsibility for a controversial raid on Wine’s home on January 23, where Wine’s wife was hospitalized due to anxiety and injuries sustained during the incident. Kainerugaba refuted claims of abuse, insisting that soldiers were merely searching for Wine.
As this situation develops, all eyes are on Uganda, where the potential for renewed unrest looms large. With Wine’s significant following and the government’s aggressive stance, the next few days could be pivotal for the country’s political landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
