Chris Magezi. Credit: X
Uganda’s military has dismissed claims by National Unity Platform (NUP) president Bobi Wine that there is a plan to arrest him ahead of the January 15 general elections, describing the allegations as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement responding to Bobi Wine’s remarks, the Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Chris Magezi, said security agencies have no intention of arresting the opposition leader.
Magezi accused NUP of using alarmist claims to divert public attention and possibly mask its own political strategies as the election date approaches.
“This is certainly a smoke screen,” Magezi said, questioning the timing and motive behind Bobi Wine’s assertions.
He added that security agencies are closely monitoring political developments but insisted there is no ongoing operation targeting the NUP leader.
Magezi further stated that Uganda’s inter-agency security teams can “categorically” confirm there are no plans to arrest Bobi Wine, formally known as Robert Kyagulanyi.
However, he noted that any individual, regardless of political standing, would face consequences if found to have violated the law.
The response comes a day after Bobi Wine claimed that security agencies were plotting to detain him before polling day in order to justify military deployment, mass arrests, and violent crackdowns similar to those witnessed during Uganda’s tense November 2020 election period.
He also alleged that provocations could be staged to portray NUP supporters as violent.
Uganda’s election season has historically been marked by sharp exchanges between the government and opposition figures, often accompanied by heavy security presence.
These developments are closely followed in Kenya, where political stability and electoral credibility in the region are viewed as critical to East Africa’s security and economic cooperation.
As campaigning enters its final phase, Magezi’s remarks signal the government’s rejection of claims of a pre-election arrest plan, even as political tensions remain high.