Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, famously known as Bobi Wine, and his family are poised to return to their sprawling multibillion-shilling home in Magere following President Yoweri Museveni’s official swearing-in as Uganda’s re-elected leader. The announcement comes after weeks of heightened political tension and uncertainty surrounding the opposition leader’s safety.
Haji Yunus Kakande, Permanent Secretary to the Office of the President and part of the swearing-in committee, revealed that preparations for the ceremony started this Thursday, with all relevant officials called in to coordinate. President Museveni is scheduled to take his oath on 12th May 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds.
According to highly placed security sources, initial plans aimed to place Bobi Wine under strict house arrest or forcibly detain him until the swearing-in was completed. The measures reportedly stemmed from intelligence indicating that Bobi Wine might attempt to disrupt the ceremony.
Despite the security clampdown, sources revealed that Bobi Wine managed to leave his home immediately after voting. A high-ranking diplomat reportedly assisted him in leaving the country safely. His wife, Barbra Itungo, and their children reportedly followed him after their home was raided by the military, with Barbra alleging mistreatment during the search.
Plans indicate that Bobi Wine and his family will regroup in the United States, following meetings with international supporters and funders in Scandinavian countries. Meanwhile, security officials are expected to maintain a presence at the Magere property until the political environment stabilizes, gradually withdrawing by the end of May.
Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of Opposition in Parliament, disclosed that the military has taken control of the Bobi Wine residence, including using facilities such as toilets and erecting tents on the compound. This approach mirrors previous instances in Uganda where opposition leaders, including Dr Kizza Besigye, were confined during election transitions.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) also faced setbacks, with top officials arrested and party activities disrupted. David Lewis Rubongoya, the party Secretary General, emphasized that the NUP continues to operate and plans to convene grassroots leaders and election participants soon to rebuild momentum.
Rubongoya further invited citizens affected by arrests or kidnappings during the elections to register their cases at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule. The party plans to pursue justice both locally and internationally for victims of post-election violence, signaling its commitment to accountability and safeguarding political freedoms.
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