Opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) Principal Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known by his stage name Bobi Wine, reportedly left Uganda and crossed into a neighbouring East African country about a week ago, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The reported departure comes amid escalating political tension, even as senior government leaders continue to insist that he is neither being pursued nor threatened by state security agencies.
“That’s the information we are getting now,” one official said.
“He left Uganda about seven days ago.”
The alleged exit from the country follows several days of uncertainty and heightened anxiety after Kyagulanyi announced on January 16 that he had gone into hiding. At the time, he cited a military raid on his Magere residence and said he feared for his personal safety, claims that immediately sparked public debate and intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of opposition figures.
Since making those claims, Kyagulanyi has released frequent statements on social media platforms, alleging that state security agencies were targeting him. These accusations, however, have been repeatedly denied by government officials, who argue that there is no plot to arrest or harm the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader.
Last week, the Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, dismissed the claims and publicly stated that Kyagulanyi was not a fugitive and had no justification for remaining in hiding.
“On behalf of the government of Uganda, Kyagulanyi is not a wanted man,” Baryomunsi said.
“No security organ, including the police, the army or any other state agency, is pursuing him.”
Baryomunsi further called on the opposition leader to return to his residence and continue his political activities within the confines of the law. He pointed out that other former presidential candidates continue to live freely and peacefully in the country without interference from security agencies.
“There’s no need for him to be in hiding. Nobody wants him. He is free to come from wherever he is hiding, return to his home, and observe law and order.”
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja echoed similar sentiments, describing Kyagulanyi’s decision to go into hiding as unnecessary and driven by political motives rather than genuine security concerns.
“No one is looking for Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,” Nabbanja said.
“He should stop the comedy and return home to his family,” she added, dismissing his actions as political theatrics meant to attract public sympathy and attention.
Kyagulanyi, a two-time presidential candidate, contested the January 15 presidential election but lost to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni. He has since rejected the results, alleging widespread vote rigging, intimidation, and electoral irregularities—claims that the government has consistently rejected.
The opposition leader also alleged that security forces raided his Magere home and assaulted his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi. These allegations were strongly dismissed by the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who maintained that the military does not target women.
Despite mounting speculation and official statements, Kyagulanyi has not publicly confirmed reports that he has left the country. Meanwhile, his party officials have remained tight-lipped about his whereabouts, further fueling uncertainty and speculation over his next political move as tensions continue to simmer.
