Uganda Army Chief Issues Death Threat Against Bobi Wine, Demands Surrender Within 48 hours

Political tensions in Uganda intensified on Monday after the country’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued public threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine, ordering him to surrender to authorities within 48 hours following last week’s disputed presidential election.

Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni and serves as Chief of Defence Forces, made the remarks in a series of posts on X. He described Wine as an “outlaw,” referred to him using a derogatory nickname, and claimed that several supporters of Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) had been killed since the election.

In one post, Kainerugaba alleged that 22 NUP supporters had been killed and stated that he was “praying” Wine would be next. The comments have sparked widespread concern among rights groups and political observers.

Bobi Wine, a former musician who finished second in the presidential race, has alleged widespread electoral fraud and says his life is in danger. He reportedly fled his residence shortly before President Museveni was declared the winner, following what he described as a military raid on his home. Wine has since issued statements from undisclosed locations.

Uganda’s police sought to distance themselves from the military chief’s remarks. Police spokesperson Kituma Rusoke said Bobi Wine was not being sought by law enforcement, directly contradicting Kainerugaba’s demand that the opposition figure surrender.

The election followed a tense campaign period marked by clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. While large-scale unrest did not materialise after the vote, rights groups say the political environment remains volatile, with reports of post-election violence and arrests.

Meanwhile, court records show that at least 118 members of the National Unity Platform were charged on Monday with election-related offences, including unlawful assembly and conspiracy. NUP secretary general David Rubongoya dismissed the charges, saying party members were being targeted for their political beliefs.

Kainerugaba has previously drawn criticism for inflammatory social media posts, including threats against neighbouring countries and political opponents. Despite speculation about his political ambitions, President Museveni has repeatedly denied grooming his son as a successor.