By Abiola Olawale
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, has broken his silence after escaping from house arrest.
Following a dramatic 24-hour period where he was reportedly abducted by military forces from his Magere residence, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader has resurfaced to condemn what he calls a “sham election” and a “criminal siege” on Ugandan democracy.
The tension reached a breaking point on Friday, January 16, 2026, just one day after Ugandans headed to the polls.
With final results due around 1200 GMT Saturday, there were conflicting reports about Wine’s whereabouts, following claims that police and the army had raided his home on Friday night.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them,” Wine posted on X on Saturday. “Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.
“I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he added.
There was a heavy police presence around the capital, Kampala, AFP journalists saw, with security forces forcing people off the streets as they sought to prevent the sort of protests that have hit neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania in recent months.
Police said they had “controlled access in areas we feel are security hotspots”.
“We have not necessarily denied people accessing (Wine), but we cannot tolerate instances where people use his residence to gather and… incite violence,” police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told reporters.
A stall-owner near Wine’s home, 29-year-old Prince Jerard, told AFP he had heard a drone anda helicopter at the residence the previous night, with a heavy security presence.
“Many people have left (the area),” he said. “We have a lot of fear.”
With more than 90 percent of votes counted on Saturday, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni was leading on 71.9 percent to Wine’s 24.5 percent, the Electoral Commission said.
Museveni, a former guerrilla fighter who seized power in 1986, has total control over the state and security apparatus and has ruthlessly crushed any challenger during his rule.
