Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine escapes house arrest, details security raid
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine says he escaped a security raid on his home after soldiers and police surrounded the property overnight, cutting power and restricting movement following the country’s disputed election.
In a statement posted on X, Wine said the military and police raided his home in Magere late at night, switching off electricity and disabling some of the CCTV cameras. He said helicopters hovered overhead as security forces sealed off the area.
“I managed to escape from them,” Wine said, adding that he is currently not at home. His wife and other family members, however, remain under what he described as house arrest.
Wine said the heavy security presence and the overnight operation led neighbours to believe he and his family had been abducted, rumours he said were worsened by a nationwide internet shutdown that has limited access to information.
The opposition leader accused authorities of hunting for him and said he was taking steps to stay safe. He also repeated his rejection of the election results being announced by the electoral commission, describing them as fraudulent and lacking any credibility.
Wine alleged widespread ballot stuffing, military interference in the vote, the arrest of opposition leaders and polling officials, and other electoral abuses. He also condemned the killing of citizens who, he said, were peacefully protesting against what he called the theft of the election.
“The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice,” Wine said, accusing the authorities of using violence and intimidation to suppress dissent.
Ugandan security forces have not publicly responded to Wine’s latest claims.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
