Kampala, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has issued a statement asserting that he escaped a late-night raid by military and police forces on his residence in Magere, Wakiso District, on Friday, January 16, 2026.
In a detailed message released amid a nationwide internet blackout, Wine described the incident as involving security forces switching off power, disabling some CCTV cameras, and helicopters hovering overhead. He confirmed that while he managed to evade capture and is now in an undisclosed location for safety, his wife and other family members remain under what he described as house arrest at the property.
Wine attributed rumors of his abduction—widely circulated by neighbors and on social media—to restricted access to the home and the commotion during the raid. He emphasized that he is actively avoiding pursuit by authorities he labeled as “criminals.”
The statement strongly rejected provisional election results announced by Uganda Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, calling them “fake” and unsupported. Wine accused authorities of ballot stuffing, military interference in the electoral process, detention of NUP leaders and polling agents, and other irregularities. He further condemned alleged murders of citizens attempting peaceful protests against what he termed “broad daylight thuggery” and widespread fraud targeting NUP candidates in parliamentary races, even in constituencies with claimed 100% evidence of victory.
“The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL ULTIMATELY WIN,” Wine declared, reiterating calls for the public to defend their sovereign rights.
The raid and Wine’s claims come against the backdrop of Uganda’s January 15, 2026, general election, where incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has taken a commanding lead in partial tallies released by the Electoral Commission. Reports from multiple sources indicate initial results showed Museveni with over 70-76% of votes counted so far, while Wine trailed significantly. Final results are expected soon.
Wine’s NUP has consistently alleged electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and violence, including prior reports of his home being surrounded by security forces shortly after polling closed. His party previously claimed he was forcibly removed by helicopter to an unknown location, though Ugandan police and army officials have denied abduction allegations, insisting Wine remains at his home and free to move, albeit with restricted access to the area.
The election has been marred by a nationwide internet and data shutdown imposed days before voting, which authorities justified as a measure against misinformation and fraud but which critics, including international rights groups, condemned as restricting transparency and free expression.
Wine included references to photographs purportedly taken during the raid last night and this morning, though specifics remain unverified amid communication restrictions.
Authorities have not immediately responded to Wine’s latest statement. The situation continues to heighten tensions as vote counting progresses and the country awaits official declaration of results.