Uganda’s leading opposition figure, Bobi Wine, says he has escaped from house arrest following a tense overnight security operation at his home in Kampala. At the same time, police continue to deny claims that he was abducted by helicopter.
Wine’s party earlier reported that a helicopter landed inside the compound of his residence in the Magere district and that security forces removed him to an undisclosed location. Authorities rejected the allegation, calling it false.
In a public statement later on Saturday, Wine said security personnel raided his home during the night, cut electricity, disabled surveillance cameras, and restricted movement in the area. He said helicopters were circling overhead.
“I managed to leave the house during the operation,” Wine said. “I am no longer there, but my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.”
Police Deny Abduction
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said officers did not remove Wine and that he remained inside his home. He explained that authorities imposed the restrictions because they classified the area as a security-sensitive zone.
Rusoke said police restricted access to stop crowds from forming and emphasized that the measures aimed to maintain public order.
Conflicting Reports and Internet Shutdown
Wine’s son, Solomon Kampala, said on social media that the family was receiving conflicting information about what was happening at the residence. Verification has been difficult due to a nationwide internet shutdown that began earlier this week.
Wine said the blackout fueled confusion and led neighbors to speculate that the family had been abducted after they saw the security operation overnight.
Election Results and Dispute
The developments come as Uganda awaits the final results of Thursday’s presidential election. Preliminary tallies from 94% of polling stations show President Yoweri Museveni leading with 72% of the vote, while Wine has secured about 24%.
At 81 years old, Museveni is aiming to secure another term that would further lengthen his already historic time in power.
Wine rejected the provisional results and accused authorities of manipulating ballots and committing fraud, although he has not presented any evidence publicly. Government officials have yet to issue any formal response to his allegations.
Violence and Voting Problems
Growing unrest has dominated the election season. In Butambala district, disputed incidents left at least seven opposition supporters dead, with key details still unclear.
The U.S. embassy issued a security alert, citing reports that security forces used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse crowds.
Voting was also delayed in many areas after ballot materials arrived late and voter identification machines failed to function. Some observers linked these problems to the communications blackout.
Election commission head Simon Byabakama said the internet shutdown did not affect vote counting and confirmed that officials would announce the final results later on Saturday.
Political Divide
Wine, 43, a former pop star turned politician, has positioned himself as a voice for Uganda’s youth, who make up most of the population. He has promised anti-corruption reforms and institutional change.
Museveni argues that his leadership ensures stability in a nation with a history of political conflict.
While six other candidates are officially on the ballot, most voters see the election as a straight contest between Museveni and Wine.
International Concern
The nationwide internet shutdown has attracted criticism from the United Nations human rights office, which warned that the move raises serious concerns about transparency and civil freedoms. Uganda’s communications regulator said the restrictions were necessary to prevent misinformation and unrest.
As tensions remain high, international observers continue to monitor the situation closely while Ugandans await the outcome of one of the country’s most closely watched elections.
