Police have denied claims that National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has been arrested, saying security deployment around his home in Magere is purely precautionary and aimed at preventing disorder.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed reports circulating on social media that Kyagulanyi had been apprehended, describing them as false and misleading.
“Security has been deployed around Mr Robert Kyagulanyi’s home in Magere and other sensitive areas. Claims that he is under arrest are false; this is purely a precaution to prevent chaos,” Kituuma said.
He added that there was no cause for public alarm. “No one should fear going about their normal business. Only lawbreakers need to worry. Do your business properly, and if issues arise, challenge them through legal and lawful channels,” he said.
Kituuma further emphasised that Kyagulanyi remained at his residence. “Let it be clear: Mr Robert Kyagulanyi is at home. Any claims otherwise are false unless he is officially removed and presented publicly,” he said, adding: “Whoever is peddling the Kyagulanyi arrest allegation is a blatant liar.”
The police spokesperson also dismissed claims that a helicopter had been deployed to take Kyagulanyi away.
“Mr Robert Kyagulanyi is not under arrest and is safe at home. Claims that a helicopter was sent to take him away are false. This isn’t the first time such misinformation has circulated,” Kituuma said.
However, the police account sharply contrasts with statements issued by the National Unity Platform and Kyagulanyi himself.
In an urgent statement addressed to international media, NUP said security forces had carried out a coordinated raid at Kyagulanyi’s home, forcing him to flee.
“We are now able to confirm that, despite a coordinated raid by security forces, President Kyagulanyi successfully avoided apprehension and is currently safe,” NUP said. “Regrettably, his family remains surrounded by heavily armed officers, effectively under house arrest.”
The party apologised for what it described as earlier confusion, citing the ongoing nationwide internet shutdown, and expressed concern for the safety of Kyagulanyi’s family.
“Amid a nationwide internet shutdown, uncertainty and fear have gripped our nation,” the statement said, urging the international community and media to continue highlighting what it termed “alarming human rights violations.”
Kyagulanyi later issued a detailed personal statement, describing what he said were dramatic events at his home. “Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. There were helicopters hovering over,” he said.
“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest.”
Kyagulanyi said speculation about his alleged arrest arose after neighbours saw security forces surrounding his home overnight. “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 reiterated his rejection of the presidential election results announced by Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama, describing them as fraudulent.
“I reiterate our complete rejection of the fake results Byabakama is reading,” Kyagulanyi said, alleging ballot stuffing, military interference, arrests of opposition officials and violence against protesters.
“The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice,” he added. “The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL ULTIMATELY WIN.”
As of publication, security remains deployed around Kyagulanyi’s residence, with authorities and the opposition maintaining sharply different accounts of events, deepening political tension in the aftermath of the disputed elections.
