National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has spoken candidly about the threats he faces, the arrest of opposition leaders, and what he describes as gross human rights violations in Uganda, saying his foremost wish is simply “to be alive.”
Speaking to Jaira Reports, Kyagulanyi recounted traumatic experiences following the disputed elections, including the alleged humiliation of his wife by security forces. He said she was stripped naked by the army, an incident he cited as emblematic of what he called a campaign of repression against dissenting voices.
Kyagulanyi maintained that the opposition defeated President Yoweri Museveni at the polls but rejected the official results, citing ballot stuffing and the nationwide internet shutdown during the election period. He further revealed that several opposition leaders have since been arrested, including NUP deputy presidents Lina Zedriga and Jolly Tukamushaba, while legislator Muwanga Kivumbi who serves as his deputy president for Buganda region is facing terrorism-related charges.
When asked whether it would be naïve to compromise and share power with President Museveni, Kyagulanyi said such discussions were impossible under the current circumstances.
“The first thing I want is to be alive,” he said. “I am not an outlaw, but the president’s sons threaten to kill me. We cannot have a conversation with someone whose boot is on my neck.”
On Uganda’s relationship with the United States, Kyagulanyi said Washington remains an important partner in security and development, but urged it not to be complicit in abuses.
“My call to them has always been not to be facilitators of criminality,” he said, adding that Uganda is facing “gross human rights violations.”
Kyagulanyi said his vision for the country is one where citizens can live with dignity and freedom.
“My hope for Uganda is freedom to live in full dignity, freedom to think, freedom to disagree with the powers that be and not have to run,” he said. “The freedom to be a father to my young children, especially my youngest daughter. The freedom to run for president and not expect death. The freedom to leave my wife at home and expect to find her alive and safe.”
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Asked whether he has considered escaping the country to live a comfortable and honorable life in the United States or Western Europe, Kyagulanyi said the thought has crossed his mind but insisted his struggle goes beyond personal safety.
“I do, but I don’t just think about me,” he said. “There are hundreds of innocent people who are missing; some are dead. While I fight this, I’m not looking only at my plight, but at the plight of all these people.”
He added that while he desires freedom and safety, his ultimate goal is collective liberation.
“Yes, I want to be free. Yes, I want to continue with the fight. But at the same time, I want everybody else to get their freedom and to be safe,” Kyagulanyi said. “If I can, I will get out of the country. But if they find me, I want the world to know that I stood not just for me, but for everybody else.”
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