Uganda is once again at the centre of international concern following chilling remarks by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni and the country’s Chief of Defence Forces.
In a series of controversial social media posts, Muhoozi openly claimed responsibility for the killing of members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) during the country’s recent general elections and suggested that opposition leader Bobi Wine was the intended next target.
Muhoozi alleged that at least 22 members of the NUP had been killed, describing them as “terrorists,” and referred to Bobi Wine as the “twenty-third” person. The remarks, which were posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, have sparked outrage both locally and internationally.
“We have killed 22 NUP terrorists since last week. I’m praying the 23rd is Kabobi,” he wrote.
The statement amounts to an extraordinary and direct confirmation of lethal force against opposition party members and comes amid widespread controversy over the re-election of President Yoweri Museveni. Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the disputed polls, securing a seventh term in office after nearly four decades in power.
Bobi Wine Narrowly Escapes Raid
The alarming comments by Muhoozi followed reports from opposition leader Bobi Wine that he narrowly escaped what he described as a coordinated military and police raid on his home in Magere last Friday night.
In a statement issued last Saturday, Wine painted a picture of a tense and chaotic operation carried out under the cover of darkness.
“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,” Wine said.
He confirmed that he managed to evade the security forces but revealed that several members of his family were left behind and remain under heavy security surveillance.
“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. I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe.”
Wine also addressed confusion surrounding his whereabouts, explaining that a nationwide internet shutdown had fueled rumours and misinformation.
“I understand that there has been great concern and speculation regarding my whereabouts. Please understand this is the context of a nationwide internet shutdown. 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.”
Rejection of Election Results and Condemnation of Violence
The former pop star turned politician has firmly rejected the outcome of the presidential election, accusing the Electoral Commission and security forces of orchestrating widespread fraud.
“I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading. In addition to the ballot stuffing, the military take-over of the election, the detention of our leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, their results have zero backing!.”
Wine also condemned what he described as the violent suppression of protesters and the killing of civilians attempting to demonstrate peacefully.
“We condemn the murder of numerous citizens who have thus far attempted to peacefully demonstrate against the broad daylight thuggery.”
Emphasising the constitutional rights of Ugandans, he defended public protests and criticised what he called attempts to manipulate the democratic process.
“The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice – not the kind of criminality we’re witnessing.”
He further accused authorities of deliberately targeting opposition candidates, even in cases where there was overwhelming evidence of victory.
“Aside from the blatant theft of the presidential election, these criminals have employed various fraudulent techniques to usurp the will of the people in numerous constituencies across the country. NUP candidates are being targeted – even when they have 100% evidence that they won. This is absolute madness.”
Wine ended his statement with a message of resilience and defiance.
“The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL ULTIMATELY WIN.”
Escalating Violence and Growing Fear
In a separate post on X late last Friday, the National Unity Platform claimed that an army helicopter landed directly inside Wine’s compound and that he had been “forcibly taken away to an unknown destination.” The party added that Wine’s private security guards were “violently assaulted” during the operation.
The incident unfolded as the country awaited the final election results, expected around 1300 GMT on Saturday, further heightening fears over the safety of opposition figures and the credibility of the electoral process.
Elsewhere in central Uganda, reports emerged of deadly force being used against individuals affiliated with the opposition. Muwanga Kivumbi, a Member of Parliament from Wine’s party representing the Butambala area, told AFP’s Nairobi office by phone that security forces had killed 10 of his campaign agents after storming his home.
According to Kivumbi, the agents had been hiding in his garage when security personnel opened fire. His wife, Zahara Nampewo, a law professor, said the victims were shot after forces fired directly through the garage door.
The unfolding events have deepened concerns about political repression, human rights violations, and the future of democracy in Uganda as tensions continue to rise following one of the country’s most contentious elections.
