Tensions Escalate in Uganda as Gen. Muhoozi Targets Bobi Wine

Kampala, Uganda - January 20, 2026 - Political tensions in Uganda have intensified following statements by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced that 22 members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were killed in a single week and appeared to threaten opposition leader Bobi Wine, the popular name of Robert Kyagulanyi. The conflict has deep roots, but political hostilities had largely subsided during the recent campaign period. On January 15, during the Ugandan general elections, Bobi Wine, who secured 24.7% of the vote, second to President Yoweri Museveni, reported that his home was attacked by soldiers and police, forcing him to go into hiding. That night, Ugandan authorities said that opposition supporters attempted to force their way into a vote counting center, resulting in more than 10 people killed. Gen. Muhoozi issued several statements online threatening NUP members. In one post, he declared, “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists. I pray that the 23rd will be Bobi Wine.” He warned that opposition figures would be targeted wherever found unless President Museveni intervened. He also reportedly gave Bobi Wine 48 hours to surrender to authorities, warning that failure to do so would result in him being treated as a rebel. Responding to the threats, Bobi Wine stated that he had secured a safe location and would reveal himself on his own terms, criticizing the regime for attacking his home. He said: “You ordered an attack on my house to harm me; I defeated them, and they escaped. I will show myself when I want, and then you and your father can do whatever you want.” The situation has sparked widespread concern, as some of Gen. Muhoozi’s messages included graphic threats against the opposition leader. Following the elections, Bobi Wine and NUP party members denounced the provisional results, alleging they were rigged. President Museveni was declared the winner, securing a seventh term with 71.6% of the vote, further fueling tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces.

Faits rapportés

Kampala, Uganda - January 20, 2026 - Political tensions in Uganda have intensified following statements by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced that 22 members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were killed in a single week and appeared to threaten opposition leader Bobi Wine, the popular name of Robert Kyagulanyi. The conflict has deep roots, but political hostilities had largely subsided during the recent campaign period. On January 15, during the Ugandan general elections, Bobi Wine, who secured 24.7% of the vote, second to President Yoweri Museveni, reported that his home was attacked by soldiers and police, forcing him to go into hiding. That night, Ugandan authorities said that opposition supporters attempted to force their way into a vote counting center, resulting in more than 10 people killed. Gen. Muhoozi issued several statements online threatening NUP members. In one post, he declared, “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists. I pray that the 23rd will be Bobi Wine.” He warned that opposition figures would be targeted wherever found unless President Museveni intervened. He also reportedly gave Bobi Wine 48 hours to surrender to authorities, warning that failure to do so would result in him being treated as a rebel. Responding to the threats, Bobi Wine stated that he had secured a safe location and would reveal himself on his own terms, criticizing the regime for attacking his home. He said: “You ordered an attack on my house to harm me; I defeated them, and they escaped. I will show myself when I want, and then you and your father can do whatever you want.” The situation has sparked widespread concern, as some of Gen. Muhoozi’s messages included graphic threats against the opposition leader. Following the elections, Bobi Wine and NUP party members denounced the provisional results, alleging they were rigged. President Museveni was declared the winner, securing a seventh term with 71.6% of the vote, further fueling tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces.