Ugandan Opposition Leader Bobi Wine in Hiding After Police Raid Amid Tense Election

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine said on Saturday that he had escaped a police raid on his home and was in hiding, as the country awaited the results of a tightly contested election conducted under an internet blackout.

Earlier reports suggested that Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had been forcibly taken from his home by an army helicopter on Friday, a day after elections marred by reports of violence.

With final results due around 1200 GMT on Saturday, President Yoweri Museveni, 81, appeared poised to extend his 40-year rule, maintaining a commanding lead over Wine. The election has been marked by allegations of intimidation, violence, and suppression of opposition activities.

Wine, 43, a former singer and now prominent politician, confirmed on social media that he had evaded authorities. “Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest. I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he posted on X.

Security was heavily deployed across the capital, Kampala, with police and military personnel controlling access to areas considered “security hotspots” to prevent potential unrest.

“We have not necessarily denied people access, but we cannot tolerate instances where his residence is used to gather and incite violence,” police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told reporters.

Residents reported heightened fear following the raid. “Many people have left the area. We have a lot of fear,” said 29-year-old stall-owner Prince Jerard, describing the presence of drones and helicopters around Wine’s home.

With more than 90 percent of votes counted, the Electoral Commission reported Museveni leading with 71.9 percent, against Wine’s 24.5 percent. Wine has accused the government of massive ballot-stuffing and targeting his party members under the cover of an internet shutdown, which remained in effect as of Saturday.

African Union election observers, represented by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, said they saw no direct evidence of ballot-stuffing but condemned reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions, which they said had “instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process.”

Analysts have long viewed the Ugandan election as a formality, noting Museveni’s control over the state and security apparatus. Past challengers, including opposition leader Kizza Besigye, have faced abductions and ongoing trials. Reports also emerged of at least 10 campaign agents being killed, though police disputed the figures, claiming opposition members attempted to overrun local polling centers.