Politics 20 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda Police Rejects Claims of Plot to Arrest Bobi Wine on Return from Exile
Uganda Police Force has dismissed rumors of plans to arrest National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, upon his return from self-exile, stating no such intentions or special guidelines exist. The denial follows leaked documents and NUP's announcement of his imminent homecoming after international duties. Source: https://observer.ug/news/police-deny-plot-arrest-bobi-wine-ahead-of-return-from-self-exile
Uganda Police has clarified that it has no intentions to detain National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, when he returns from self-exile. Authorities also confirmed they will not release any targeted directives for his re-entry.
NUP revealed over the weekend that their leader plans to come back home after wrapping up initial overseas commitments. Bobi Wine fled Uganda post the January 15 presidential election, reportedly via Rwanda to the US, following two months in hiding due to life threats.
From abroad, Kyagulanyi has voiced ongoing security concerns but affirmed his resolve to return. ‘I’ll head back once my global work is done, and let them act openly—running for president isn’t a crime,’ he stated.
His exit coincided with leaked March 16, 2026, papers from Gulu Central Police Station charging him with false statements under the Penal Code. This prompted the arrest of Gulu High Court intern Gloria Grace Laker for allegedly disseminating the files.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told reporters there are no arrest plans or related instructions. NUP’s Joel Ssenyonyi noted no official summons have arrived, urging authorities to issue them if charges exist amid circulating election-related rumors.
Post-election tensions persist, with Bobi Wine and CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba trading barbs on X, including Muhoozi’s public arrest threats over alleged NUP-incited violence.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)