Bobi Wine, Uganda’s leading opposition figure, says he escaped arrest after soldiers and police raided his home in Magere.
The residence of Wine, who is seeking the presidency for a second term against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, was assailed by Ugandan security operatives.
In a statement posted on X, the opposition leader said the operatives cut off electricity, disabled some CCTV cameras and deployed helicopters over the area.
“Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere,” he said.
“The military and police raided us; they switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras, and helicopters were hovering over.”
He said he managed to evade arrest and is currently not at home.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them,” Wine said.
“Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.”
Wine stated that security agents are searching for him across the country, prompting him to take measures to ensure his safety.
“I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he said.
He said reports that he had been abducted were fuelled by the raid on his home and a nationwide internet shutdown.
“Given the commotion that happened at our house at night, and given that no one is allowed to access the house, our neighbours concluded that they had succeeded in abducting us and spread the news,” he said.
The opposition leader also rejected the presidential election results being announced by the electoral commission chairman.
“I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading,” Wine added.
Wine alleged ballot box stuffing, military interference in the election process, and the detention of opposition leaders and polling officials.
“In addition to the ballot stuffing, the military takeover of the election, the detention of our leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, their results have zero backing,” he said.
He also condemned the murder of citizens protesting the conduct of the election.
“We condemn the murder of numerous citizens who have thus far attempted to peacefully demonstrate against the broad daylight thuggery,” he said.
“The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice.”
He also accused authorities of targeting candidates of the National Unity Platform, even in areas where they had evidence of victory.
“NUP candidates are being targeted, even when they have 100 percent evidence that they won,” he said.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, Wine said the struggle would continue.
“This is absolute madness. The people of Uganda will ultimately win,” he added.
The incumbent Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is set for a seventh consecutive term in the saddle.
