Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has sharply criticised President Yoweri Museveni, accusing him of contradicting himself on issues of human rights and governance.
In a detailed statement, the National Unity Platform (NUP) president claimed Museveni’s government had, over the years, been linked to alleged torture, enforced disappearances, illegal detention, and impunity, even as the president continues to publicly denounce such practices.
“There is no greater hypocrisy than that of Yoweri Museveni,” Bobi Wine said. “For 40 years, you have presided over a regime that has become synonymous with torture… yet you stand before the nation condemning the very crimes your government is committing.”
Bobi Wine revisited the 2018 Arua incident, where his driver Yasin Kawuma was shot dead, accusing the president of previously endorsing violence against him.
“This is the same man who publicly boasted that his soldiers had beaten me ‘very well’… Today, you pretend to denounce torture as if Ugandans have forgotten,” he added.
He also criticised the influence of senior figures within government circles, including Museveni’s son, alleging that public remarks from him have appeared to celebrate violence against political opponents.
The opposition leader cited multiple cases of alleged abuse, including the reported abduction of NUP supporters and opposition figures such as Eddie Mutwe and Muwanga Kivumbi.
“You speak about human rights while ignoring Ugandans whose lives have been shattered by your security agencies,” he said.
Bobi Wine further raised concern over the case of Sam Mugumya, pointing to a video that circulated online allegedly showing him in poor condition while in military custody.
“If seeing a fellow Ugandan reduced to such a state cannot stir your conscience, then your speeches about humanity are simply hollow,” he stated.
He also alleged that musician Aking Zale remains missing after reportedly being picked up by security operatives, with claims he may have been detained in military facilities.
The Ugandan government has consistently denied accusations of systemic abuse, maintaining that security agencies operate within the law.
Bobi Wine, who has previously cited security threats as the reason for spending time in exile, insisted that Ugandans are increasingly aware of alleged state excesses.
“History has an interesting way of exposing hypocrisy… We will continue to pursue a free, democratic, and just Uganda,” he said