WASHINGTON, D.C. — Weeks after evading a military manhunt following Uganda’s disputed January election, opposition leader Bobi Wine surfaced in Washington, D.C., on March 18 for a series of Capitol Hill meetings.
Bobi Wine met with bipartisan congressional staff to discuss concerns over eroding democracy, human rights abuses, and tensions between the United States and Uganda. He also advocated for targeted sanctions on Ugandan officials implicated in electoral violations.
Accompanied by human rights advocate Jeffrey Smith, Wine aims to build international pressure on President Yoweri Museveni’s government. Wine tweeted: “Started my international engagements today with meetings on Capitol Hill, in Washington DC. #FreeUgandaNow.”
Jeffrey Smith added: “It was good to be with an old friend today.”
The outreach has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praise Wine’s strategic international engagement, while critics dismiss it as a publicity stunt. Analysts note that his presence in Washington underscores the growing international scrutiny of Uganda’s post-election human rights situation.
The discussions come amid ongoing calls from civil society and diaspora groups for accountability and democratic reforms in Uganda following the contested January election.
