An attorney for opposition leader Bobi Wine urged international actors to demand immediate assurances for his safety.
Robert Amsterdam said Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, feels threatened by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s reckless and hostile public statements.
Kainerugaba, the army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has repeatedly targeted Wine on social media with offensive language.
Wine, who led the National Unity Platform, received 24.7% of votes in last week’s election, rejecting official results as fraudulent.
President Museveni claimed 71.6% of votes and accused the opposition of attempting to incite violence during the electoral process.
In recent posts, Kainerugaba called Wine a “terrorist” and a “baboon,” raising fears about the opposition figure’s personal security.
He also tweeted that more than 2,000 of Wine’s supporters had been detained without offering detailed explanations of the arrests.
Kainerugaba’s posts often disappear, prompting Ugandans to question his judgment, but his threats carry serious weight as army chief.
Wine has reportedly gone into hiding, fearing for his life amid increasingly alarming threats from Uganda’s top military officer.
“So far we have killed 30 NUP terrorists,” Kainerugaba tweeted, providing no information on locations or circumstances of the alleged deaths.
Authorities detained Muwanga Kivumbi, a deputy leader in Wine’s party, accusing him of involvement in post-election violence leaving seven dead.
Kivumbi denies the charges, while police insist Wine himself has not committed any crime and is not currently wanted.
Despite this, Kainerugaba tweeted Friday that “most NUP terrorist leaders are in hiding” and vowed the military would locate them.
Amsterdam warned that Kainerugaba’s threats carry operational significance and elevate the risk of unlawful harm against Wine and his supporters.
He called on the Ugandan government to take immediate steps to protect Wine and uphold international law obligations for human safety.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also urged restraint, respect for the rule of law, and compliance with international human rights standards.
Uganda’s recent election was marred by internet blackouts and malfunctioning biometric voter machines, delaying voting in areas including Kampala.
Wine alleged ballot boxes were manipulated in Museveni’s strongholds, while security forces closely monitored his campaign and dispersed supporters with tear gas.
The opposition leader often campaigned in a flak jacket and helmet, fearing attacks as Museveni prepares for a seventh presidential term.
Museveni’s supporters praise him for maintaining regional stability, though he has not indicated when he might retire after nearly five decades in power.