Muhoozi Fires Threat to Bobi Wine, Claims Ugandan Forces Killed 22 Opposition Supporters

Uganda’s post-election tensions escalated sharply after the country’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued a public ultimatum to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, ordering him to surrender to police within 48 hours or face severe consequences.

In a series of late-night posts on social media platform X, Muhoozi, who also serves as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), accused Bobi Wine of engaging in activities he described as rebellious following last week’s presidential elections. 

He claimed that security agencies were actively pursuing members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Bobi Wine’s party, whom he labelled as a security threat.

The CDF further alleged that dozens of NUP supporters had been killed in recent security operations, statements that have sparked widespread concern among human rights groups and opposition supporters. 

His remarks were widely circulated online and condemned by critics as reckless and inflammatory at a time when the country remains on edge.

Bobi Wine, who finished second in the presidential race, responded defiantly, accusing Muhoozi of orchestrating a raid on his residence with the intention of harming him. 

According to the opposition leader, he narrowly escaped and subsequently went into hiding for his own safety. 

However, Uganda Police Force denied conducting any raid on his home, insisting that no such operation took place.

In his response, Bobi Wine accused both Muhoozi and President Yoweri Museveni of attempting to conceal what he termed state-sponsored intimidation and violence against opposition figures. 

He warned that those responsible for abuses against Ugandans would eventually be held accountable, adding that he would re-emerge at a time of his choosing.

The exchange came shortly after President Museveni was declared the winner of the presidential election, securing another term in office with over 71 per cent of the vote. 

In his victory address, Museveni accused opposition groups of attempting to destabilise the country and incite unrest, branding some of their activities as acts of terrorism.

Despite the official results, the election has drawn criticism from African observers and international rights organisations, who raised concerns over arrests, heavy military deployment, and restrictions on media and internet access. 

The Uganda Communications Commission ordered an internet shutdown days before voting, a move authorities said was aimed at preventing misinformation and violence but which critics argue undermined transparency.

Police reported that at least 559 people were arrested nationwide for election-related offences, including accusations of blocking roads, vandalism, and planning violent demonstrations. 

Several deaths were also reported in different regions following clashes between civilians and security forces, further heightening fears of instability.

Journalists were reportedly blocked from accessing Bobi Wine’s residence in Kampala, adding to uncertainty over his whereabouts and fuelling anxiety among his supporters. 

Security agencies later listed more than a dozen districts as election hotspots, deploying additional forces to maintain order.