KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a new and provocative declaration that effectively bars opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, from participating in any future elections.
In a statement posted on social media, Muhoozi said he was acting in the interests of national security and “for the good of the commonwealth,” adding that Bobi Wine would be prohibited from contesting in any upcoming electoral processes in Uganda.
“Whether Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu is in the country or not, I, as CDF, in the interests of national security and for the good of the commonwealth, ban him from any further participation in the electoral exercises of Uganda,” he tweeted.
Whether Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu is in the country or not I, as CDF, in the interests of national security and for the good of the commonwealth ban him from any further participation in the electoral exercises of Uganda.
The announcement follows a series of escalating tensions between the military and the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, including threats and a public ultimatum earlier this week.
On Monday, Muhoozi ordered Bobi Wine to surrender to police within 48 hours, warning that failure to do so would result in him being treated “as an outlaw or rebel.”
He added that he was acting independently and “exonerated” his father, President Yoweri Museveni, from any responsibility for his actions.
Hours later, Bobi Wine responded sharply, accusing security forces of raiding his home in Magere and attempting to capture him. He said he managed to escape and rejected claims that authorities were not pursuing him.
“You ordered the raid on my house to harm me,” Bobi Wine said, adding that he would “resurface” on his own terms and warned that the security establishment would not avoid consequences for what he called “atrocities against Ugandans.”
The exchange has heightened fears of further political repression in Uganda, which has been on edge since the January 15 presidential election.
President Museveni, who has ruled the country for four decades, was declared the winner with 72% of the vote, while Bobi Wine received 25%.
Wine has rejected the results, alleging widespread rigging and ballot stuffing, and has repeatedly described the election as fraudulent.
In one of his posts, Bobi Wine claimed that the number of votes recorded at Museveni’s polling station exceeded the number of registered voters.
He also shared video footage allegedly showing election officials marking ballots in favor of Museveni at a polling station in western Uganda.
As tensions escalate, the latest move by Uganda’s army chief could deepen political divisions and further strain relations between the state and opposition supporters.
