Top Ugandan officials have given conflicting statements on the whereabouts and status of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, and whether the state is looking for him or not.
The government has been accused of cracking down on opposition figures, sparking concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni’s son, has contradicted information minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi’s statement, saying they are indeed looking for Bobi Wine, whom he labelled a “coward”.
This has sparked concerns about the government’s intentions and the level of coordination between the military and the executive.
The conflicting statements have left many wondering what is really going on.
Minister Baryomunsi suggested that Bobi Wine was seeking attention through “drama and theatrics,” but urged him to return to his home.
“There’s no need for him to be in hiding. Nobody wants him. He is not under pursuit by the police or the army. I am now speaking as the government of Uganda. He is free to come from wherever he’s hiding. He should return to his home, be calm and observe law and order. He should stop the drama and theatrics, trying to cause a story where there is no story,” Dr Baryomunsi told NBS in the evening of January 25.
“The presidential elections and parliamentary elections are now done. We are now focusing on the remaining few elections to complete the process, and we move on with delivering our manifesto, which we pledged to Ugandans.”
Yet, contrary to Baryomunsi’s statement, hours later, President Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, insisted they were looking for Mr Kyagulanyi, whom he described as a “coward.”
Muhoozi also dismissed claims that UPDF soldiers beat up Mr Kyagulanyi’s wife, Barbra Itungo, during a night raid at Mr Kyagulanyi’s home.
“My soldiers did not beat up Barbie…Kabobi’s wife. First of all, we do not beat up women. They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband, not her,” Gen Muhoozi wrote early Monday morning.
The raid at Bobi Wine’s home on January 23, 2026 night, was a shocking turn of events. According to reports, soldiers, some in uniform and others in plain clothes, broke into the opposition leader’s Magere residence, reportedly beating up family members and isolating his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi.
Barbie was reportedly held at gunpoint, strangled, and verbally @bused as soldiers demanded to know Bobi Wine’s whereabouts. She was later hospitalized, dealing with physical and psychological trauma.
The Uganda Law Society has condemned the raid, calling it a grave abuse of state power and a violation of fundamental human rights.
Gen Muhoozi, the Chief of Defence Forces, confirmed the raid but denied that soldiers assaulted Barbie, saying they were looking for her “cowardly husband.”
Meanwhile, you can read about what a top US senator has told President Donald Trump to do to Museveni and Muhoozi, days after Bobi Wine revealed his next plan from hiding, Here and There.
