'Surrender or else’: Muhoozi’s 48-hour warning to Bobi Wine

By Newsflash Writer

Uganda’s political tensions have escalated sharply after Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Muhoozi Kaneirugaba issued a dramatic ultimatum to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, ordering him to surrender to police within 48 hours or face unspecified but “severe” consequences.

The warning comes in the aftermath of Uganda’s disputed general elections, which saw President Yoweri Museveni declared the winner amid allegations of fraud, repression and intimidation of opposition figures.

Muhoozi issues stark warning

In a strongly worded message posted on his X account on Monday, January 19, 2026, Muhoozi directly targeted the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, whom he mocked while issuing the ultimatum.

“As for Kabobi [Bobi Wine] the permanent loser, I’m giving him exactly 48 hours to surrender himself to the Police. If he doesn’t, we will treat him as an outlaw/rebel and handle him accordingly,” Muhoozi wrote.

Since the Electoral Commission announced Museveni as the winner of last Thursday’s presidential election, Muhoozi has published a series of provocative posts on X, ridiculing Bobi Wine, who officially garnered about 24 percent of the votes cast. Museveni was credited with over 70 percent, extending his grip on power.

Bobi Wine has flatly rejected the results, describing Museveni’s victory as “fake” and accusing the authorities of orchestrating a sham election to retain power.

Claims of raids and house arrest

The ultimatum follows dramatic claims by Bobi Wine that security forces had attempted to arrest him at his home. On Saturday, the opposition leader said he narrowly escaped a police and army raid as Museveni was confirmed the winner.

“I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them,” said Wine. “Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest. I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe.”

A day earlier, Wine had stated that security agencies had placed him under house arrest. His party later claimed on X that he had been “forcibly taken” from his residence by an army helicopter, an allegation the military strongly denied.

In a subsequent clarification, Wine said reports of his abduction may have stemmed from confusion caused by security forces blocking access to his home, leading neighbours to misinterpret overnight commotion at the residence.

Election fallout and rising pressure

Wine, Uganda’s most prominent opposition figure, mounted a spirited challenge against the veteran incumbent in a campaign that international observers said was deeply flawed. The United Nations described the election environment as being marred by “widespread repression and intimidation” targeting opposition supporters and civil society groups.

Museveni, 81, was officially declared the winner on Saturday, extending his more than four-decade rule. The election was also overshadowed by reports of at least 10 deaths, alongside allegations of harassment and intimidation of opposition activists.

In his latest statements, Wine reiterated his “complete rejection” of what he termed “fake results” announced by the head of Uganda’s electoral body. He alleged widespread ballot stuffing and claimed that several leaders of his party, the National Unity Platform, had been unlawfully detained.

“Aside from the blatant theft of the presidential election, these criminals have employed various fraudulent techniques to usurp the will of the people,” he wrote.

As the 48-hour deadline set by Muhoozi ticks down, uncertainty hangs over Uganda’s already tense political landscape, with fears mounting over the potential for further crackdowns on the opposition.