Political tensions in Uganda have escalated sharply following the disputed presidential election, after the country’s military chief issued an ultimatum to opposition leader Bobi Wine to surrender to authorities. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, said Bobi Wine had 48 hours to turn himself in to the police, warning that failure to do so would result in him being treated as an “outlaw.”

Bobi Wine, a former pop star turned politician whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, said he went into hiding after narrowly escaping a military raid on his home just hours before President Museveni was declared the landslide winner of last week’s election. The Electoral Commission said Museveni secured a decisive victory, extending his rule beyond four decades, a result the opposition has rejected as fraudulent.

The election campaign was marked by heavy security deployments and repeated clashes, with security forces frequently breaking up opposition rallies and opening fire to disperse crowds. In the days following the vote, several incidents of violence were reported in different parts of the country, further heightening fears of a broader crackdown on dissent.

General Kainerugaba’s public threats against Wine have drawn criticism from rights groups and opposition figures, who argue that the military is being used to intimidate political opponents. The government has defended its actions, saying security measures are necessary to maintain law and order and prevent unrest.

Uganda has a long history of contested elections under President Museveni, who first came to power in 1986. Previous polls have also been followed by allegations of vote rigging, arrests of opposition leaders, and restrictions on media and civil liberties. Analysts warn that the latest standoff could further destabilize the country if dialogue is not pursued.