By Leonard Kamugisha Akida
KAMPALA
Authorities have dismissed allegations that opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is being targeted by the state, insisting that he remains free to reside in his home and move about without interference, provided he does not engage in criminal activities.
Speaking to the press, Min. Chris Baryomunsi emphasized that Kyagulanyi is not wanted by the police or any state institution. “Nobody has chased him from his home. He is free like any other candidate. If he has chosen to go into hiding, that is his decision. We are not bothered. We know where he is. If we wanted him, we would get him. But at the moment, nobody wants him,” the statement read.
The government accused the opposition leader of attempting to create a narrative of persecution where none exists. Officials described his decision to remain out of public view as “a sign of cowardice,” adding that hiding would not make him president. “What will make you a president of Uganda is going to the people, the people cast the ballot, they count the votes, you get the biggest percentage and you are declared. There is no shortcut,” the spokesperson said.
Baryomunsi further urged Kyagulanyi to pursue legal channels if he believes the election process was marred by irregularities. “If he thinks his votes were rigged, or if he thinks there were irregularities which made him not win, he can go to the courts of law and challenge what happened. There is sufficient time to gather evidence and you go to court,” the statement continued.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting Ugandans from any criminal activities that may threaten national security. “If there is information that anybody is organizing to engage in criminal activities which threaten our security, then the state has a duty to ensure that you and I are safe from those criminal engagements,” officials declared.
While Kyagulanyi’s supporters have raised concerns about his safety and freedom, the government maintains that he is “hiding from his own shadow, not from the forces of the state.”
