Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has addressed the nation about his temporary departure from Uganda, assuring citizens that he intends to return and continue his political work.
In a recent statement, he emphasized that leaving the country should not be seen as surrender but as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition movement and advocate for democratic reforms.
Bobi Wine stated that his departure allows him to engage with the international community without interference, raise awareness about Uganda’s political climate, and organize opposition activities more effectively. He stressed that being abroad is part of a broader plan to push for political accountability in Uganda.
The NUP leader recalled the intense pressure he faced from government forces in the months leading to his departure. He claimed that security operatives raided his home, harassed his family, and conducted nationwide searches to locate him. These operations, he said, forced him into hiding and ultimately necessitated leaving the country for his own safety.
Despite leaving Uganda, Bobi Wine reassured his supporters that the struggle for democracy continues. He emphasized that the National Unity Platform remains fully operational, with his deputy, Dr. Lina Zedriga, acting as party president in his absence. The party’s activities, he said, would continue uninterrupted.
Bobi Wine criticized the government for spending what he described as billions of Ugandan shillings in taxpayer money to hunt him down. He claimed that despite these massive expenditures, the security forces failed to capture him, largely because ordinary citizens provided him with shelter and protection.
He also detailed how security operations disrupted daily life in Uganda. Roadblocks were mounted across major highways, vehicles were stopped, and motorcycles were checked, creating congestion and inconveniencing citizens—all in attempts to locate him.
The opposition leader described these measures as excessive and unnecessary, arguing that they demonstrated the government’s prioritization of personal political objectives over the welfare of ordinary Ugandans. He said these actions fueled his determination to continue pushing for reform.
Bobi Wine reiterated that he committed no crime by running for president and participating in Uganda’s electoral process. He emphasized that contesting for political office is a fundamental democratic right, and his temporary departure should not be misinterpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.
He further explained that leaving the country would allow him to document alleged electoral fraud, human rights abuses, and political intimidation in a safe environment. By engaging with international organizations, he aims to highlight the challenges facing opposition parties in Uganda.
According to Bobi Wine, his work abroad is intended to complement local efforts by NUP supporters. He stressed that citizens at home and in the diaspora must remain committed to civic participation and organizing for political change.
He recounted that security forces had raided his home multiple times after the 2026 presidential election. On January 16, he escaped an initial raid, but subsequent operations allegedly targeted his family, vandalized his property, and confiscated valuables.
The opposition leader also highlighted the harassment of individuals close to him. He alleged that his assistant’s house was raided and that family members of associates were detained or went missing, further illustrating the level of pressure applied to silence him and his supporters.
Bobi Wine framed his departure as a tactical move to avoid direct confrontation while continuing to build political momentum. He stated that the temporary relocation is intended to strengthen advocacy and political strategy rather than abandon the fight for democracy.
He underlined that NUP’s leadership remains cohesive, with the deputy president managing day-to-day activities. Bobi Wine urged party members and supporters to maintain unity, continue grassroots mobilization, and participate actively in political discourse.
The opposition leader emphasized that once his international engagement is complete, he will return to Uganda. Upon his return, he intends to operate openly, allowing the regime to act while he continues to advocate for transparency, accountability, and political reform in full view.
He called on Ugandans to view his absence not as weakness but as part of a carefully planned strategy to amplify the struggle for democracy, both domestically and internationally.
Bobi Wine also expressed confidence that international attention will help pressure the government to respect political freedoms and human rights. He believes that documenting and reporting alleged abuses is essential to building accountability and reform.
He encouraged citizens to remain courageous and resilient, emphasizing that the fight for democracy is collective. According to him, sustained civic engagement is crucial to ensure that government power is exercised responsibly and in line with democratic principles.
Bobi Wine reassured Ugandans that his political mission remains unchanged. He stated that he will return stronger, ready to continue challenging practices that limit political participation and undermine citizens’ rights.
In conclusion, Bobi Wine framed his departure as a temporary but strategic measure, aimed at organizing, advocating, and mobilizing both domestically and internationally. His assurance of return reflects his commitment to political change, while highlighting the challenges faced by opposition leaders in Uganda.
He emphasized that running for president was lawful and legitimate, and that his continued activism is rooted in the defense of democratic principles. Bobi Wine’s message to Ugandans is clear: his absence does not equate to surrender, but signals the next phase of a broader political strategy to achieve reform and accountability.
