In a dramatic escalation of post-election tensions, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi) was forcibly removed from his home in the capital and flown to an unknown destination aboard an army helicopter, his National Unity Platform (NUP) party announced late on Friday.
Dramatic seizure amid blackout
The NUP posted on social media platform X that security operatives first cut electricity to Wine’s compound, destroyed parts of the electric fence, assaulted his private security guards, and then used the military helicopter to take him away. The incident occurred as preliminary results showed longtime President Yoweri Museveni surging toward a landslide victory in Thursday’s general election.
There was no immediate comment from Ugandan authorities, police, or the military, who have not confirmed or denied the abduction claim. Some NUP officials reached by international media could only verify that armed men believed to be military and security agents scaled the fence of Wine’s residence, but were unable to confirm whether he had been present or successfully removed.
The development unfolded amid a nationwide internet blackout imposed by authorities days before the vote, ostensibly to curb misinformation and violence. The shutdown has severely hampered communication, verification of events, and information flow across the country, with cellular service remaining but social media and online platforms largely inaccessible.
Wine alleges fraud, calls for resistance
Wine, 43, the pop star-turned-politician and Museveni’s most prominent challenger, had earlier alleged “massive ballot stuffing” and widespread irregularities during voting, urging Ugandans to “rise to the occasion and reject the criminal regime”. He had predicted potential house arrest or worse in the event of disputed results.
The United Nations human rights office described the election environment as marked by “widespread repression and intimidation”, including attacks on opposition rallies, arbitrary arrests, and use of force against supporters.
Preliminary results and deadly clashes
Preliminary tallies from the Electoral Commission late on Friday gave Museveni, 81, who has ruled since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term, around 73.7% to 76% of votes counted so far, with Wine trailing at 22-23%. Final results were expected on Saturday.
Tensions boiled over into violence overnight in Butambala district, about 55 km southwest of Kampala. Police said machete-wielding opposition “goons” attacked a police station and vote-tallying centre, prompting security forces to respond in self-defence. An opposition lawmaker from Wine’s party, Muwanga Kivumbi, countered that military personnel stormed his home where supporters gathered for results, killing at least 10 people, removing bodies, and leaving only pools of blood behind. Conflicting accounts reported between seven and 10 deaths.
The abduction claim has heightened fears of a broader crackdown as Museveni extends his nearly four-decade grip on power. Wine’s supporters, many young Ugandans frustrated by unemployment, corruption, and lack of change, have long viewed him as a symbol of resistance.
As darkness fell over Kampala on Friday, heavy police and military presence blanketed the streets, with roadblocks and patrols around key sites including Wine’s residence. The international community watched closely, amid calls for transparency and restraint.
