URGENT UPDATE: Political tensions in Uganda have surged as the army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly accused U.S. Embassy officials of supporting opposition leader Bobi Wine, who has gone into hiding following a disputed presidential election. This shocking allegation arrives just days after the January 15, 2023 election, where President Yoweri Museveni claimed a controversial 71.6% of the vote against Wine’s 24.7%.
In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Museveni, claimed that “unimaginative bureaucrats at the Embassy” have long “undermined” security relations between Uganda and the United States. He further alleged that Wine had “kidnapped himself” in a plot coordinated with the U.S. Embassy, stirring alarm among Ugandans.
Why This Matters NOW: With tensions escalating, many Ugandans fear that violence against Wine could ignite widespread unrest. The opposition leader has gained significant support among the youth, many of whom are frustrated with the government’s corruption and lack of job opportunities. Wine, who has campaigned under the banner of the National Unity Platform, has been vocal about his fears for his safety, having previously campaigned in a flak jacket and helmet.
The U.S. Embassy has yet to comment on these accusations. Meanwhile, Wine has posted videos from various locations in Uganda, mocking the military’s inability to locate him since he went into hiding 10 days ago. “The whole army is looking for one person. It’s now coming to 10 days, but they have failed to find me,” he stated. “That means they are not as strong as they tell you.”
Kainerugaba’s statements have raised eyebrows, particularly his declaration that Wine is “wanted dead or alive,” which has drawn sharp criticism from locals concerned about potential violence. “Foreign powers who attempt to smuggle Kabobi outside the country” face threats of diplomatic fallout, he warned.
The backdrop of this political turmoil is a longstanding rule by Museveni, who has been in power for nearly 40 years. His administration is credited with relative stability, yet there’s growing discontent among the populace. Wine’s followers believe that his ability to evade capture undermines the government’s perceived strength.
Officials have yet to disclose any specific charges against Wine, and both the police and the information minister have stated he has committed no crime. In response to Kainerugaba’s taunts, Wine described the military’s failure to apprehend him as revealing their weakness.
The situation continues to evolve with every passing hour. Hundreds of Wine’s supporters have been detained amid the political unrest, and one of his deputies, Muwanga Kivumbi, faces terrorism charges related to a violent incident during the election period.
What’s Next: As international observers monitor the situation closely, the potential for violence looms large. Ugandans are bracing for further developments, and many are calling for stability and a return to peaceful dialogue. The world is watching how both the Ugandan government and the U.S. respond to these escalating tensions.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
