By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Uganda, 20 January 2026 - Political tensions in Uganda have sharply escalated after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, publicly threatened opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, in a series of incendiary online posts following a disputed presidential election.
In a message posted late Monday on X (formerly Twitter), General Muhoozi, a highly influential figure in Uganda’s security establishment, declared that he was giving Bobi Wine 48 hours to surrender to police following last week’s contentious polls, and threatened to treat him as an “outlaw or rebel” if he failed to comply.
“I’m giving him exactly 48 hours to surrender himself to the Police. If he doesn’t, we will treat him as an outlaw/rebel and handle him accordingly,” wrote Muhoozi, referring to Wine by a derogatory nickname.
In the same string of posts, the army chief claimed that security forces had killed 22 members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Wine’s party, in recent operations, and added that he was “praying the 23rd is Kabobi,” a comment widely criticised for celebrating violence against political opponents.
Muhoozi also sought to distance his controversial remarks from his father, saying his ultimatum was “entirely my personal action,” though critics say the comments reflect broader state repression.
Bobi Wine dismissed the ultimatum and responded defiantly, accusing security forces of raiding his home and endangering his family’s safety.
In a televised message from an undisclosed location, he described a night-time operation in which power was cut and CCTV cameras were disabled during the incident.
“You ordered the raid on my house to harm me,” Wine said, alleging that the actions of security agents constituted “atrocities against the people of Uganda.” He added that he would “resurface when I decide,” warning that state actions would have long-term consequences.
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While Wine’s whereabouts remain unknown, his wife is reported to be under house arrest, reinforcing concerns among human rights groups about the deterioration of political space in Uganda.
The ultimatum comes days after President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was declared the winner of the 15 January election with 71.6% of the vote, a result that has drawn criticism from opposition figures, civil society groups and international observers.
Wine, a former pop star turned politician, garnered about 24% of the vote and alleged widespread fraud, intimidation and repression during the electoral process.
In the run-up to and aftermath of the election, the political environment was marked by heightened military presence, internet shutdowns, reports of violence against opposition supporters, and detentions, all of which have drawn regional and international concern over democratic integrity and human rights.
The UN and rights groups have condemned reports of repression, arbitrary arrests and the use of lethal force against political rallies, warning that targeting opposition figures could further destabilise the region and undermine Uganda’s democratic fabric.
Analysts say the public threats by a serving army commander, especially one so closely linked to the presidency, raise serious questions about the rule of law, civil-military relations, and the protection of political rights in post-election Uganda.
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