‘I fear for my life’: Uganda’s opposition chief in hiding

Uganda’s main opposition leader has told The Observer that he has gone into hiding, fearing for his life after security forces stormed his home in the aftermath of the country’s recent election.

- Fred Harter

Bobi Wine spoke from a secret location inside Uganda shortly after the country’s military chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the son of the president, Yoweri Museveni, threatened to find him and kill him.

Former pop star Wine, 43, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, received 25% of vote in this month’s election compared with the 72% recorded for Museveni, who secured a seventh term at the age of 81.

The run-up was marked by a severe crackdown, with police arresting Wine’s supporters and breaking up his rallies with teargas. The internet was shut down days before voters headed to the polls, and 30 people were killed in unrest that took place after ballots were cast.