Uganda’s main opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has alleged that the government is plotting to arrest him ahead of or on election day in what he claims is a desperate attempt to cling to power.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said the ruling regime has sensed defeat and is now resorting to extreme measures to disrupt the electoral process.
In a strongly worded statement shared publicly, Bobi Wine claimed he had received intelligence from what he described as “security circles” warning of a plan to detain him before polling day.
According to Wine, the alleged arrest would be used to provoke chaos, justify widespread arrests, and allow for the deployment of the military across the country.
He drew parallels with the violent unrest that followed his arrest in November 2020, during which dozens of Ugandans were killed amid protests.
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Wine alleged that similar tactics are being planned, including the deliberate provocation of confrontations by security officers in Mbale City and neighboring districts to create justification for a heavy security crackdown.
The opposition leader further claimed that the government intends to deploy hired goons dressed in NUP party colors in order to portray his supporters as violent. He argued that such actions would be used to delegitimize the opposition and suppress voter participation on election day.
Despite the allegations, Bobi Wine urged his supporters to remain peaceful, non-violent, but firm in demanding their democratic rights.
“We urge our people to remain peaceful and non-violent but very assertive,” he said, emphasizing that violence would only serve the interests of those seeking to undermine the vote.
By press time, the Ugandan government and security agencies had not issued an official response to the claims.
The allegations come amid heightened political tension in Uganda as the country edges closer to another highly contested election, with observers closely watching the conduct of both the state and opposition actors.
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