Bobi Wine Refuses to Negotiate with Uganda Government While in Hiding

Uganda, February 25, 2026 - Opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has rejected calls to negotiate with the Ugandan government while remaining in hiding, nearly six weeks after the country’s presidential elections. Bobi Wine went into hiding on January 15, 2026, following the controversial re-election of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He has voiced concerns over the conduct of the elections and alleges that security forces are seeking to harm him, which he says is why he remains in seclusion. In an interview with UK’s Channel 4, Bobi Wine stated that he would only come out of hiding if necessary to avoid being forced into government demands. Asked about ongoing discussions and calls for him to meet with President Museveni or his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Bobi Wine said he could not negotiate under coercion. “You cannot negotiate with someone who has a gun to your neck and say ‘let’s talk.’ Only those who are free can truly discuss. That is what meaningful dialogue looks like,” he said. The Ugandan Electoral Commission reported that President Museveni won with 71.65% of the vote, while Bobi Wine secured 24.72%. Despite the official results, Bobi Wine continues to question the transparency and fairness of the election process.