Africa-Press – Uganda. Former National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, extended warm Eid al-Fitr greetings to Muslims around the world upon completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
“A very happy Eid al-Fitr to all of you my Muslim brothers and sisters. May the almighty Allah accept your sacrifice and reward. Assalam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,” he said in a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday from Washington, USA.
The announcement coincided with nationwide celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr prayers at various locations.
On Saturday, Bobi Wine publicly confirmed he had left Uganda after spending more than eight weeks in undisclosed locations following the January 15 presidential election. The two-time presidential candidate said his trip aims to expand international engagement regarding the disputed election outcome.
“I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends in the diaspora before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy,” he said in a viral video shared on his social media platforms.
During his absence, Bobi Wine reportedly participated virtually in international forums including the Geneva Summit and the European Union, raising concerns about the credibility of Uganda’s election. He has indicated plans to continue these engagements physically while abroad.
Bobi Wine recently confirmed that he has commenced a series of international engagements aimed at discussing Uganda’s contested January 15 presidential election.
“Started my international engagements today with meetings on Capitol Hill, in Washington DC,” he wrote on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, NUP Vice President for Western Uganda, Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, has been appointed as acting president of the party.
Bobi Wine went into hiding on January 16, 2026, citing threats from what he described as “snatch squads” amid a heavy military presence around his residence in Magere.
“The regime has looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues. Well, they couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he stated.
Since the election, he has rejected official results, labeling them “fake” and accusing the Electoral Commission of manipulation. He also noted that results were announced without mandatory Declaration of Results forms, although no public evidence has been presented to support these claims.
Bobi Wine has dismissed legal challenges, citing lack of confidence in the judiciary, and has called for peaceful protests by supporters instead.
Government officials have consistently denied claims of targeting Bobi Wine.
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi emphasized that the continued security presence at Bobi Wine’s Magere residence is meant to prevent potential public disorder, not to intimidate or detain him. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also added that Bobi Wine should “stop the comedy” and return home. Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that security personnel would remain at the residence until his return.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello added that the measures are intended for the opposition leader’s safety. He stated that Bobi Wine is free to travel in and out of Uganda as long as he complies with the law, dismissing his actions as “political drama.”
