Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has announced that he will temporarily leave Uganda after spending nearly two months in hiding following the country’s recent general elections.
In a message posted on his Facebook page, the leader of the National Unity Platform said he plans to travel abroad in the coming weeks to meet international allies and leaders to discuss the political situation in Uganda.
“Today, I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world,” Bobi Wine wrote.
The opposition figure, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said he went into hiding shortly after the election in which President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner. Bobi Wine and his supporters have previously disputed the outcome of the vote.
According to him, security forces attempted to arrest or harm him soon after the results were announced.
“A day later, gripped by shame and fear, the military invaded my home to harm me, but I was able to evade them and go into hiding,” he said.
He also claimed that authorities carried out a widespread search for him over the past two months, including raids on homes of colleagues and supporters.
“They have raided the homes of many colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks of vehicles and motorcycles… but they couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he wrote.
Despite his planned travel abroad, Bobi Wine emphasized that the move would only be temporary and that he intends to return to Uganda after completing his international engagements.
“Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy,” he said.
He urged his supporters to remain united during his absence, adding, “For now, let’s remain focused and united.”
The Ugandan government has not yet publicly responded to his announcement.
