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Opposition Leader Denies Arrest, Says He Escaped Military Raid
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has clarified reports about his alleged abduction by security forces, stating that he managed to escape from his home during a military raid rather than being arrested. The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader took to social media platform X to explain the chaotic events that unfolded at his residence in Magere.
'It was a very difficult night for us at home in Magere. The army and police stormed our house. They cut off the electricity and blocked some of our security cameras. Helicopters flew over our house,' Wine wrote in his statement.
Earlier reports from his party had claimed Wine was forcibly removed from his home and taken to an unknown location via military helicopter. Those posts were later deleted from social media, creating confusion about his whereabouts.
Election Results Spark Controversy and Violence
The incident comes amid Uganda's contentious 2026 presidential election, where incumbent President Yoweri Museveni appears headed for another term extension. Preliminary results show Museveni with approximately 70% of votes compared to Wine's 20%. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, had predicted he would win with 80% of the vote.
The election has been marred by violence, particularly in Butambala district where security forces reportedly killed at least 10 people. According to local MP Muwanga Kivumbi, 'They broke down the front door and started shooting in the garage. It was a bloodbath.' The incident occurred as supporters awaited election results at Kivumbi's residence.
Police claim they acted in self-defense against machete-wielding attackers who stormed a police station and vote-counting center. A police spokesperson said seven people died in that confrontation, with three injured and 25 arrested.
Internet Blackout Complicates Communication
Wine attributed the confusion about his location to a nationwide internet shutdown imposed during the elections. 'This is happening in the context of a national internet blockade. Given the commotion that arose at our house at night and the fact that no one is allowed into the house, our neighbors concluded that we had been kidnapped and spread the news,' he explained.
The Ugandan military has denied allegations of Wine's abduction. Army spokesperson Brigadier Felix Kulayigye told the Associated Press that the stories were designed 'to incite his supporters to violence.'
Wine, a former pop star turned politician, has called on his supporters to reject what he terms 'fake results' and take to the streets in peaceful protest. He claims 'countless citizens' have been killed during demonstrations against the election outcome.
International Concern Grows
The election has drawn international scrutiny, with rights groups condemning the process. According to NPR reports, the election was conducted under a government-imposed internet blackout and marred by reports of deadly violence and widespread intimidation. The Guardian documented how security forces allegedly stormed opposition MP homes, killing campaign team members.
Wine remains defiant, stating he will continue to challenge the legitimacy of the election results. His current location remains unknown as he says he's 'doing my best to stay safe' while his wife and family members remain under house arrest by military forces.
