Kyagulanyi Says Family Fled Country After Security Raid

By skika Reporter

Former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has revealed that his wife and children fled Uganda after security forces allegedly raided his home in the aftermath of the January 2026 presidential election.

In a video message delivered to the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, Kyagulanyi—also known as Bobi Wine—said he has been in hiding since January 16, 2026, describing Uganda as “a nation of 50 million people living under a violent military dictatorship for 40 years.”

It was his second address to the Geneva summit, a major conference held alongside the annual session of the UN Human Rights Council that highlights urgent global human rights situations and provides a platform for activists and former political prisoners.

Kyagulanyi accused President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of orchestrating widespread violence, arrests, abductions and internet shutdowns during the 2025 presidential campaign. He alleged the election was manipulated, claiming that at one polling station Museveni received more votes than registered voters.

Although he emerged runner-up, Kyagulanyi’s party did not petition court to challenge the results.

Speaking about the personal toll, he said: “The military raided my home, tortured my family, humiliated my wife and shared pictures on Twitter. My wife Barbie and our children had to flee the country for fear of their lives.”

He said he does not wish to remain in hiding but considered it necessary “to stay alive” and speak out. Kyagulanyi urged the international community not to recognise Museveni’s government and to impose targeted sanctions on the President, his son and other officials accused of human rights violations.

“Ugandans are not seeking pity,” he said. “Oppressed people cannot stay oppressed forever.” He reiterated his commitment to non-violent resistance and vowed to return when it is safe.