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Medard Lubega Sseggona, a former senior figure in the National Unity Platform (NUP), has advised opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to stop hiding and instead surrender himself to the police.
His remarks have stirred strong reactions across the political divide, with supporters and critics weighing in on what the opposition leader should do next.
Speaking during an interview with the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, Sseggona warned that remaining underground could put Bobi Wine in greater danger.
He argued that hiding does not always guarantee safety, especially in a tense political environment where fear, suspicion, and misinformation are widespread.
Sseggona explained that when a political leader goes on the run, they unknowingly give their enemies an advantage. According to him, secrecy creates room for enemies to strike quietly, away from public attention, where accountability is limited.
Using blunt language, Sseggona said that running away allows opponents to track someone down and possibly harm them in isolation. He suggested that facing issues openly, even in difficult circumstances, can sometimes offer more protection than hiding.
He also hinted that Bobi Wine might still be emotionally affected by the recent election loss. Sseggona suggested that the pain of defeat could be influencing his judgment and pushing him to make decisions based on fear rather than strategy.
In a statement that quickly went viral, Sseggona said that if he were Bobi Wine, he would personally drive to the police station, hand himself in, and “close that chapter.” To him, this would end speculation, tension, and uncertainty surrounding the opposition leader’s situation.
Bobi Wine has been in hiding since January 16, 2026. He claims that he escaped a security raid at his home and has since been communicating with the public from undisclosed locations, a move that has worried both supporters and family members.
His continued absence from his Magere home has fueled rumors and raised concerns about his safety. Many of his supporters believe that the heavy security presence around his residence is meant to intimidate and isolate him politically.
However, the police have repeatedly denied these claims. Authorities have maintained that Bobi Wine is not wanted for any crime and that there is no arrest warrant against him.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke reaffirmed this position. He stated that Bobi Wine is a free citizen but confirmed that security forces remain deployed at his Magere home for what he described as “national security” reasons.
Rusoke did not explain what specific threat the security deployment is meant to address, nor did he give a timeline for when the officers would leave. This lack of clarity has continued to raise suspicion among the opposition and the general public.
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi has also spoken on the matter. He insisted that Bobi Wine committed no crime and is free to return home at any time without fear of arrest.
Despite these assurances, the standoff between Bobi Wine and security agencies continues to escalate. The gap between official statements and realities on the ground has left many Ugandans confused and uncertain.
Sseggona’s comments also reflect his complicated history with NUP. Once a strong ally of the party, his relationship with the leadership began to sour over internal disagreements and leadership decisions.
The fallout became more visible during the Mathias Mpuuga saga, where Sseggona openly criticized how the party handled the dispute. He questioned the transparency and fairness of decisions made by the top leadership.
By mid-2025, tensions had grown so deep that Sseggona’s position within the party became unstable. Internal rivals reportedly began positioning themselves to replace him, signaling a major shift in party dynamics.
Later in 2025, NUP denied Sseggona the party flag. This forced him to contest in the last election as an independent candidate, a race he ultimately lost, marking a painful chapter in his political career.
Because of this background, some NUP supporters have dismissed Sseggona’s advice to Bobi Wine as politically motivated. They believe his words are shaped by bitterness rather than genuine concern.
Others, however, argue that Sseggona is speaking from experience. As a seasoned lawyer and politician, they say he understands the risks of prolonged confrontation and is offering advice based on realism.
As Bobi Wine remains out of sight, the nation watches closely. Whether he chooses to surrender to the police or continue hiding, the decision will not only shape his personal safety but also influence the future direction of opposition politics in Uganda.
