Former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has firmly declared that he will not negotiate for his freedom following his recent departure from Uganda, insisting that his rights must be guaranteed unconditionally.
Kyagulanyi left Uganda two weeks ago after reportedly spending nearly two months in hiding amid fears of arrest, despite government assurances that he was not under investigation. His departure came in the wake of the January 2026 presidential election, in which he lost to incumbent Yoweri Museveni. Official results showed Museveni securing 7,946,772 votes, while Kyagulanyi garnered 2,741,238.
In an interview with France 24, Kyagulanyi said he continues to face security threats but remains determined to engage both Ugandans and the international community.
“I am still under threat, and I am certain I am being followed. But I can still communicate and speak to the world,” he said.
The opposition leader stressed that while he supports dialogue as a means of resolving political differences, such engagement must be principled rather than transactional.
“We have never rejected dialogue, but it must be constructive and based on principles. We do not believe in transactional negotiations,” he stated.
Speaking from Washington, D.C., Kyagulanyi dismissed any notion that his return to Uganda would be subject to bargaining.
“I am not going to negotiate my freedom. My freedom must be guaranteed. My struggle, my work, and my citizenship belong to Uganda, and I will return,” he said.
He also called on democratic nations to impose targeted sanctions on President Museveni, his son, and officials he accuses of human rights abuses and undermining democratic governance.
Framing his campaign as a broader movement for change, Kyagulanyi emphasized that his fight extends beyond personal interests.
“This is not about me—it is about all of us,” he said, positioning his cause as one representing the aspirations of many Ugandans.
