The Kampala Metropolitan Police Chief Liaison Officer, SSP Donald Muhwezi, has said that security agencies are not concerned with the current whereabouts of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, whose location has remained undisclosed since the announcement of the presidential election results.
Speaking on Next Radio’s Big Talk show, SSP Muhwezi stressed that police are neither searching for nor monitoring Mr. Kyagulanyi, adding that his situation is being treated no differently from that of other presidential contenders following the January 15 general elections.
According to SSP Muhwezi, the police have no verified information on Kyagulanyi’s location but see no indication that he is in immediate danger. He suggested that if the opposition leader were facing a serious threat, he would likely have made it publicly known.
“We cannot tell where Kyagulanyi is, but I do not believe his life is in danger. If he were under serious threat, he would communicate that openly. I also believe he does not wish to disclose his location, otherwise he would have done so himself, including through the video clip circulating online,” Muhwezi said.
He added that the police position remains unchanged: the movements and locations of presidential candidates are not a matter of security interest as long as they are safe and not engaged in unlawful activity.
“As far as we are concerned, we have no interest in knowing where Kyagulanyi is. What matters to us is that he remains safe,” he said.
Kyagulanyi was President Yoweri Museveni’s main challenger in last Thursday’s presidential race. The Electoral Commission declared President Museveni the winner with 71.65 percent of the vote, while Kyagulanyi finished second with 24.72 percent. Other candidates shared the remainder of the vote.
Since the declaration of results, Kyagulanyi has largely remained out of public view, fuelling speculation and debate both locally and internationally about his safety and freedom of movement, particularly given Uganda’s history of heightened security measures around opposition figures during post-election periods.
Through his social media platforms, Kyagulanyi has rejected the election outcome, alleging widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, and electoral malpractice. He has also claimed that security forces intensified operations around his home shortly after the results were announced.
In a series of posts over the weekend, Kyagulanyi alleged that military and police personnel raided his residence in Magere, Wakiso District, during the night. He claimed the operation involved cutting off electricity, tampering with CCTV systems, and deploying helicopters in the area.
“Last night was extremely difficult at our home in Magere. Military and police forces raided the property, switched off power, interfered with our CCTV, and helicopters hovered above,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
He further stated that he managed to evade arrest and leave the premises, while his wife and other family members remained under what he described as house arrest.
“I can confirm that I escaped. I am currently not at home, although my wife and family members are still confined. I am aware that security operatives are searching for me in different places, and I am doing everything possible to remain safe. I also understand the anxiety and speculation surrounding my whereabouts,” he added.
As of now, police and other security agencies have not issued a detailed response to Kyagulanyi’s specific allegations regarding the raid on his residence, even as calls grow from civil society groups and opposition supporters for clarity, restraint, and respect for constitutional rights in the post-election period.
