Politics 16 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Bobi Wine Announces Exile Over Safety Fears After Months in Hiding
National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, has fled Uganda for exile due to personal safety concerns following over two months in hiding. He detailed security pursuits and plans to rally international support against the government. Source: https://observer.ug/news/bobi-wine-flees-to-exile-over-personal-safety
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine and president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), revealed he has gone into exile abroad. This follows more than two months evading capture while hiding within Uganda, prompted by threats to his safety.
In a post on his X account, Bobi Wine mocked the security forces’ extensive but fruitless search efforts. He claimed they spent vast taxpayer funds, set up roadblocks, stopped motorcycles, and raided homes on orders from President Museveni’s son, yet ordinary citizens protected him.
He highlighted specific incidents, including a raid on his assistant Sharif Najja’s home where his wife was taken and remains missing. Additionally, nine police officers assigned to him during the presidential campaign were arrested, detained, and dismissed for refusing to surveil him.
Bobi Wine placed second in the 2026 presidential election with 24.75% of votes, behind Yoweri Museveni’s 71.65%. He insists the vote was rigged and accuses authorities of targeting him post-election, including assaults on his family and occupation of his home since January 16.
His exile is framed as strategic, not defeat. He aims to mobilize the international community for sanctions and coordinate with diaspora supporters. NUP deputy president Dr. Lina Zedriga, recently freed from prison, will lead in his absence.
The announcement coincides with leaked documents from Gulu Police accusing him of false statements, leading to the remand of a court intern for sharing them online.