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Ugandan opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) president Bobi Wine has spoken out about a terrifying late-night raid at a hotel in Lira City, where he was resting after a day of campaign activities.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Bobi Wine — whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu — detailed how a group of armed men in security uniforms stormed the hotel premises, surrounding his room and demanding access under unclear circumstances.
“It was around midnight when we suddenly heard heavy knocks on the doors and loud voices shouting orders,” Bobi Wine recounted. “Men in military uniform were everywhere — in the corridors, on the staircases, even outside the windows. They said they were conducting a ‘security operation,’ but refused to identify themselves or state their mission.”
The NUP leader, who has been traversing northern Uganda on his campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general election, said the incident left his team deeply shaken.
“We had just concluded a very successful rally in Lira. Everyone was exhausted and preparing for the next day’s journey. Then, suddenly, we were under siege. They tried to force their way into my room, but the hotel staff and my security team resisted,” he said.
According to Bobi Wine, the armed men dispersed after nearly 40 minutes without making any arrests or offering explanations. He described the raid as part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment targeting opposition leaders and their supporters.
“This is not new. Everywhere we go, the regime follows us with threats, tear gas, and illegal arrests,” he added. “They fear the voice of the people. But no amount of intimidation will stop us from demanding freedom and justice.”
The National Unity Platform has since condemned the raid, accusing security agencies of attempting to sabotage Bobi Wine’s campaign through fear and disruption. Party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi called for an investigation, saying the action violated both constitutional rights and basic human decency.
“These are clear signs of a state that has lost control of its own fear,” Ssenyonyi said. “You cannot claim to uphold democracy while sending armed men to attack opposition candidates in the middle of the night.”
As of press time, Ugandan police and the army had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The Lira City raid adds to a growing list of security confrontations faced by Bobi Wine since declaring his renewed challenge to President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
Despite the risks, Bobi Wine vowed to continue his campaign, declaring:
“Uganda belongs to all of us — not to a few with guns. We shall not be silenced.”
