Political tensions in Uganda skyrocketed Tuesday after a dramatic and chilling ultimatum from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s powerful Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni ,who publicly threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine with death and demanded his immediate surrender.
In a string of incendiary posts on social media platform X late Monday, Muhoozi used highly inflammatory language, declaring he was “praying” for Wine’s death and giving him exactly 48 hours to surrender himself to the police, warning that failure to comply would see Wine treated as an “outlaw/rebel” and dealt with accordingly.
Muhoozi did not hold back in his attacks on opposition leader Bobi Wine, branding him a “baboon” and labeling supporters of his National Unity Platform (NUP) party as “terrorists.”
“As for Kabobi, the permanent loser, I’m giving him exactly 48 hours to surrender … If he doesn’t, we will treat him as an outlaw/rebel and handle him accordingly,” the general wrote, referring to the charismatic pop‑star‑turned‑politician by a derogatory nickname.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been in hiding since what he describes as a heavy military and police raid on his home late last week.
Speaking from an undisclosed location, the opposition leader rejected the ultimatum, accusing the military and police of targeting his family and plotting to harm him.
“I will resurface when I decide,” Wine said in his defiant response, adding that authorities had previously raided his residence and placed his family under effective house arrest.
The dramatic exchange comes in the aftermath of Uganda’s contentious presidential election held on January 15, 2026, in which long‑time President Yoweri Museveni claimed victory with over 70% of the vote.
Opposition figures, election observers and critics have condemned the vote as marred by alleged fraud, violence, intimidation and internet shutdowns.
Security forces have also been accused of using excessive force against supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Wine’s political party.
Muhoozi’s posts claimed that Ugandan forces had already killed dozens of NUP members in ongoing clashes, a claim that has fuelled fears of escalating political violence.
Political analysts say the public threats by a senior military commander, who is widely believed to be positioning himself as his father’s successor, represent an alarming breach of democratic norms and could further destabilize the already tense political environment.
Civil society groups and human rights defenders have condemned the rhetoric as dangerous and counter‑productive to peace.
International observers are now watching closely, with calls for restraint and respect for constitutional processes growing louder as the 48‑hour deadline looms.
