Uganda’s opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is currently being pursued by military forces. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the search resumed after a temporary suspension on Monday, January 26.
Muhoozi explained that troops paused operations for 24 hours under President Museveni’s instructions to allow Wine to surrender peacefully. He added that new orders instructed soldiers to locate Wine dead or alive and bring him into custody.
The UPDF chief posted on X that Wine had not surrendered anywhere despite the temporary pause, prompting the hunt to resume immediately. Security forces have intensified operations to track his movements across multiple districts in Uganda.
Opposition leaders and human rights organizations expressed concern over Muhoozi’s statements, warning they could endanger the life of a political opponent. Public reactions criticized the general’s comments, claiming they escalated tension following the disputed election outcome.
Muhoozi rejected allegations that troops had assaulted Wine’s wife during a raid on their home in Kampala. He clarified that military operations targeted the opposition leader exclusively, and no civilians unrelated to the search faced harm.
Wine responded by stating that military forces previously raided his home and attempted to capture him unlawfully. He claimed he escaped the operation while several opposition supporters were arrested, detained, or harmed during these security operations.
The opposition leader added that his residence remained surrounded by military personnel, and thousands of his supporters faced detention across the country. He also claimed that security forces had murdered several civilians aligned with his political movement following the January 15 election.
President Museveni was declared the winner of the election with 71.65 percent of votes, while Wine secured 24.72 percent, according to official results. Wine has rejected the outcome, claiming widespread rigging and fraudulent practices at polling stations.
Earlier, Muhoozi issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Wine surrender to the police, threatening to treat him as an outlaw or rebel. Wine publicly refuted the ultimatum, saying the military attempted to harm him during overnight raids on his property.
Military units established checkpoints and conducted intelligence-led searches across districts to locate the opposition leader and prevent his escape. Officers coordinated operations under a central command to monitor Wine’s movements and capture him efficiently without harming civilians.
Wine asserted that government forces conducted violent raids on homes of supporters, causing trauma, injuries, and property damage. He stated these operations violated constitutional rights and targeted both him and his political allies indiscriminately.
The UPDF maintained that all actions followed lawful orders issued by the president, emphasizing operational discipline and coordination. Military spokespeople stated units focused solely on apprehending the opposition leader and neutralizing any armed accomplices posing threats.
Observers noted that heightened security measures followed political unrest and a tense post-election environment characterized by allegations of voter intimidation. Citizens and local leaders reported increased troop movements and heightened security in both urban and rural districts.
Human rights advocates called for restraint from military units and urged the government to ensure legal and safe conduct during operations. International observers monitored developments, emphasizing protection of civilian lives while security forces executed orders.
Wine has continued issuing statements expressing defiance against the government, insisting the people will ultimately hold political power. He warned military operations should not intimidate citizens or curtail democratic participation following disputed electoral results.
Authorities reported that the search remains ongoing, with specialized units tasked with locating Wine, monitoring communications, and gathering intelligence throughout the country. Security officials reiterated the operation aims to capture Wine while minimizing risks to uninvolved civilians.
The opposition leader’s movements remain largely concealed, but government forces claimed progress in tracking him through intelligence networks. Officials stated that coordinated efforts aim to prevent further political violence while enforcing lawful orders.
The ongoing operation represents a continuation of post-election enforcement measures targeting high-profile opposition figures and their associates. Government statements indicate operations prioritize capturing individuals suspected of challenging electoral legitimacy while maintaining public order.
The president has also instructed military commanders to ensure that operations do not harm uninvolved civilians while apprehending the opposition leader. Security forces reportedly enhanced surveillance and increased patrols to contain any potential unrest linked to the ongoing hunt.
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