Police Deny Plans to Arrest Kyagulanyi On Return

Police say they have no plans to arrest National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, nor issue guidelines for his return.

Over the weekend, NUP announced that its leader was set to return after completing his first phase of international engagements. Kyagulanyi left Uganda after the January 15 presidential election, reportedly traveling through Rwanda to the U.S after two months on the run, citing threats to his life.     

Kyagulanyi has repeatedly said he still receives threats while abroad but still will return home and let security agencies take whatever action they choose against him. 

“Once I finish my work on the international stage, I’ll return to my country and let the regime do what it wants in full view; after all, I committed no crime by running for president,” Kyagulanyi said.  

He left Uganda a day after case files dated March 16, 2026, from Gulu Police Station surfaced online accusing him of making false statements under Section 25(9) of the Penal Code Act. The leak saw Gulu High Court intern Gloria Grace Laker arrested and remanded for allegedly photographing and sharing the charges online.     

However, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, responding to journalists who asked whether Kyagulanyi is wanted on any charges, said that police have no interest in his return or arrest or issuing guidelines to follow for his return.

NUP Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi says the party has received no official police summons for its president, despite reports from security sources that Kyagulanyi is wanted in Gulu District over charges linked to the last general election.

“If you have charges against him, summon him so he can respond to them,” Ssenyonyi said. “On our end, we have been asking, but they are tight-lipped and are not saying anything, apart from rumors that he will be arrested upon his arrival and circulated court documents indicating that Kyagulanyi is charged with two counts related to the last Presidential Elections.” 

Since the presidential election ended, Kyagulanyi and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son to President Museveni have consistently exchanged words on X, formerly twitter. Muhoozi has issued threats to arrest and castrate Kyagulanyi, whom he accuses along with other top NUP leaders of plotting violence through public incitement after the elections.