National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has broken his silence following the reappearance of Ssebudde Kassim, also known as Kunta Kinte, who resurfaced late at night near Namboole Stadium after being missing for more than two weeks.
Ssebudde, a well-known NUP mobilizer, was found bruised, frail, and visibly shaken, showing what appeared to be signs of physical abuse. Bobi Wine took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to reveal that Ssebudde had allegedly been abducted, tortured, and threatened into silence.
“He was severely tortured, and when released, was told not to speak about his ordeal or they would kill him,” Bobi Wine wrote.
“The government is trying to silence us, but our voices must be louder and our actions stronger.”
According to Bobi Wine, Ssebudde was abducted alongside fellow aide Eddie Mutwe, but the two were separated shortly after being taken. The opposition leader also posted disturbing photos of Ssebudde with fresh wounds and visible scars, apparently as evidence of the torture he endured.
The images and Bobi Wine’s statement have reignited public outrage, especially among opposition supporters and human rights advocates, who accuse the Ugandan government of targeting political opponents through unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances.
Ssebudde, despite his ordeal, made a defiant statement after reappearing:
“They tortured me, but I am still here. I am not afraid.”
The development adds to growing concerns about rising state repression in Uganda, particularly against supporters of the opposition ahead of the 2026 general elections. The NUP has repeatedly reported a pattern of abductions, threats, and torture of its members — often with little to no accountability.
