Humbled in hiding: Bobi Wine marks 44th birthday

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has thanked supporters for an outpouring of birthday messages, saying he was deeply humbled by the love and encouragement sent his way.

Writing from what he described as his “lonely hideout,” the National Unity Platform leader said he spent the day reading through heartfelt messages from friends and supporters.

“From my lonely hideout, I've spent the day reading the many beautiful birthday messages. Thank you, friends, for the outpouring of love and encouragement. I’m really humbled,” he said.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, reflected on his life journey, expressing gratitude for what he called “many second chances.”

“I’m grateful to God for the gift of life, for the friends and family that He has surrounded me with, and for the many second chances I have had in life,” he stated.

The former presidential candidate attributed his achievements to divine intervention while accepting responsibility for his own failings.

“For whatever we have accomplished, that was the almighty God working through us. The glory goes to Him. For the mistakes and missteps along the way, that's mine. I take responsibility while struggling to improve,” he said.

He concluded his message on a hopeful note, saying, “Cheers to a new age and a new page. May the rest of our days be the best of our days."

Last month, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the search for Uganda’s opposition leader had resumed after a brief suspension.

He said the hunt for Wine was temporarily halted for 24 hours on the instructions of President Yoweri Museveni but later resumed following fresh orders issued to the military.

“Our troops had stopped the search for 24 hours,” Muhoozi said in a post on X.

“Apparently, according to some sources, he wanted to surrender peacefully. He hasn't surrendered anywhere. Now our troops have orders to bring him in dead or alive!”

Wine, responding to Muhoozi’s remarks, said the general was openly threatening his life and accused security forces of widespread abuses against opposition supporters and his family.

The Opposition leader managed to escape after the military and police forces raided his home in Magere during the Ugandan elections.