Leader of Uganda’s largest opposition political party,National Unity Platform(NUP) and former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has spoken out against what he calls a “violent military dictatorship” in Uganda.
Kyagulanyi, who has been in “hiding” since January 16, 2026 delivered a video message which was related to the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.
He alleged that President Museveni and his son who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, orchestrated widespread violence and election rigging. It was his second time that Kyagulanyi was addressing the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.
The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy is a major conference that shines a spotlight on urgent human rights situations that require global attention.
It provides a platform for human rights activists and former political prisoners to testify about their personal struggles for democracy and freedom while building an international community to take on dictators.
This year’s summit, like the previous ones, is held around the main annual session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Many Ugandans expected that the NUP leader would personally attend the conference, given the suspicion that he had fled the country immediately after the January Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
“Uganda is a nation of 50 million people living under a violent military dictatorship for 40 years,” he said.
It is the first time he has addressed the international community about the outcome of the recent presidential elections.
Kyagulanyi detailed the events of Uganda’s 2025 presidential campaign, describing arrests, abductions, and internet shutdowns.
He said the election was so manipulated that even at the polling station where Mr Museveni voted, he received more votes than the number of registered voters.
“The election was so rigged, even at Museveni’s polling station, he got more votes than registered voters.”
The NUP, however, did not petition the court to challenge the outcome of the election in which he emerged as the runner-up to President Museveni. Speaking about the human cost, Mr Kyagulanyi revealed the impact on his family. He said his home was raided, his family members tortured, and his wife publicly humiliated.
“The military raided my home, tortured my family, humiliated my wife, and shared pictures on Twitter. My wife Barbie, and our children had to flee the country for fear of their lives,” he reported.
He stated that while he is in hiding, he doesn’t want to be in hiding. “It was necessary, though, so that I could stay alive. And be able to speak to you right now.”
Mr Kyagulanyi urged the international community to impose sanctions and not recognize Museveni’s government.
He stressed that Ugandans are committed to non-violent resistance.
“Ugandans are not seeking pity. We want the world to sanction Museveni, his son, and all human rights violators,” he said.
“Oppressed people cannot stay oppressed forever. With your help, we can liberate Uganda before it is too late.”
Kyagulanyi’s message comes as international observers continue to scrutinize Uganda’s elections and human rights record.
The former presidential candidate says he remains in hiding for his safety but vows to return when the time is right. He committed t non-violent means to ending President Museveni’s reign in Uganda.