Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has said he escaped an attempted arrest by security forces and is currently in hiding following the country’s tense general election.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, made the claim on Saturday, saying security operatives raided his home a day after the election. He explained that although he managed to get away, his wife and other family members remain under heavy security surveillance at their residence.
Earlier, members of Wine’s National Unity Platform had reported that he was taken away in a military helicopter, but his latest statement contradicted those claims, saying he was never arrested.
Uganda has remained on edge as final election results are awaited. Security presence has increased across the capital, Kampala, with police and soldiers restricting movement to prevent possible protests.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years, is leading the vote count by a wide margin, according to the electoral commission.
The election was held under an internet blackout, which Wine has criticised, accusing the government of vote manipulation and harassment of opposition supporters.
Election observers have raised concerns over reports of intimidation, arrests and violence against opposition figures, saying such actions have weakened public trust in the process.
