As Uganda approaches presidential elections early next year, opposition figure Bobi Wine has voiced deep concern about what he describes as a deteriorating political climate. Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi, claims that threats targeting him and fellow activists are becoming increasingly brazen as they mobilize against longtime President Yoweri Museveni.
Wine’s safety has become a growing concern, fueled by frequent hostile posts on social media from Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba the army chief and likely successor. In one post, Kainerugaba stated he “would cut off” Wine’s head if permitted, and later faced backlash for claiming to be holding Wine’s missing bodyguard “in my basement.” The bodyguard was eventually brought to court in visibly poor physical condition, apparently the victim of abuse.
“This is no ordinary person,” Wine said of Kainerugaba. “He’s not just the president’s son he commands the military, the police, the prisons. He operates above the law, and he’s made that very clear.”
