Ugandan Authorities Deny Arrest of Bobi Wine Amid Election Tensions

Police confirm “controlled access” at opposition leader’s home as Museveni nears another term

Ugandan authorities have denied reports that opposition leader Bobi Wine was arrested following the country’s tense presidential election, pushing back against claims made by his political party and supporters.

National police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, that Wine is at his residence and is “not under arrest.”

Police officials acknowledged that security forces have been deployed around Wine’s home but described the measures as “controlled access,” saying they are intended to prevent the property from being used to incite violence or cause public disorder. Authorities insisted that Wine remains free to move, though the heavy security presence has raised concerns among opposition figures and civil rights groups.

Confusion has deepened due to conflicting accounts from Wine and his party. The National Unity Platform earlier alleged that Wine was forcibly taken away by an army helicopter during a late-night operation.

Wine later posted on social media claiming he was not at home during the raid and managed to evade security forces, while his wife and family members remained under effective house arrest.

The standoff unfolds as President Yoweri Museveni moves toward a decisive election victory, securing roughly 72 percent of the vote, with Wine trailing at about 24 percent. The opposition has rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud and questioning the credibility of an election conducted under a nationwide internet blackout.