Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), said he left the country due to what he described as mounting pressure and a security crackdown targeting him after the election.

According to the official results, long-time Ugandan leader Yoweri Kaguta Museveni won the vote with 71.6% while Wine came second with 24.7%, results the opposition rejected, claiming they did not reflect the will of the people.

After the announcement of the results, Wine said security forces intensified operations to arrest him, forcing him to go into hiding for several weeks. During that time, his whereabouts remained unknown, sparking concern among his supporters, some of whom feared he had been detained or forcibly disappeared.

In a video message released later, Wine confirmed that he had successfully left Uganda. He explained that the decision was necessary to escape what he called increasing threats while also allowing him to continue engaging with international partners on issues related to democracy and political freedoms in Uganda.

Wine thanked Ugandans who sheltered and protected him during the period he was in hiding as security forces searched for him. He also stated that he intends to return to the country when conditions allow him to safely continue what he describes as the struggle for democratic governance.

The tensions surrounding Wine’s situation were further heightened by remarks from Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and son of President Museveni, who had earlier made controversial statements on social media regarding the opposition leader.

Meanwhile, President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is expected to be sworn in again in May 2026 for a seventh term. Supporters credit him with maintaining stability and promoting development in Uganda, while critics accuse his government of weakening democratic institutions and restricting political freedoms.