Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has reignited political tensions after declaring that opposition leader Bobi Wine whom he refers as “Kabobina” will be arrested upon his return to Uganda from the United States.
In a statement that quickly sparked debate across social media and political circles, Muhoozi claimed that the National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu had been appealing to President Yoweri Museveni to avoid arrest.
“Kabobina (Bobi Wine) has been begging Mzee (President Museveni) not to arrest him when he returns from his holiday in the US. I’m now swearing that we shall definitely arrest him,” Muhoozi stated.
The remarks add a new chapter to the long-running confrontation between Uganda’s military leadership and Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Bobi Wine has previously said he left Uganda because he feared for his life following the country’s disputed presidential election. Speaking to international media after resurfacing in Washington, D.C., the opposition leader revealed that he had spent nearly two months in hiding before leaving the country.
He said his family had departed earlier and expressed concern for members of his party who remained in Uganda, including his deputy, Lina Zedriga, whom he named as his temporary successor.
During interviews, Wine described relying on supporters for survival while in hiding.
“People gave me food, people gave me clothing and everything else,” he said.
The opposition leader has repeatedly alleged that the government targeted him and that threats against his life forced him into hiding.
Wine has also accused President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi of threatening his safety. He previously pointed to social media posts in which Muhoozi reportedly described him as “wanted dead or alive” and made other controversial remarks. Those posts were later deleted.
Despite these concerns, Bobi Wine has consistently maintained that he intends to return to Uganda. He has also called for international sanctions against President Museveni and his son, arguing that political freedoms and human rights in the country are under increasing pressure.
Government officials, however, have previously denied claims that security agencies were actively pursuing the opposition leader.
Muhoozi’s latest comments are expected to further fuel debate over political freedoms, the role of security agencies, and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
With the country’s political landscape already deeply polarized, the military chief’s declaration is likely to raise fresh questions about what awaits Bobi Wine should he return home.
