Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine has announced his departure from the country following a contentious election result

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine announced that he has temporarily departed the country following two months of hiding after a presidential election in January that resulted in longtime leader Yoweri Museveni remaining in power.

Wine, known as Robert Kyagulanyi, challenged the results of that election, claiming fraud, and had been in hiding after leaving his home in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

In a five-minute video message posted on X on Saturday, Wine stated that he had departed the country for “critical engagements outside Uganda,” without disclosing his location or the nature of these engagements. “At the right time I will come back and continue with the cause,” he expressed.

The pop star who transitioned into politics has stated that his campaign faced limitations due to security forces preventing his rallies and detaining his supporters.

In the message released on Saturday, Wine stated that security forces had set up roadblocks and carried out raids to locate him.

The government and military of Uganda did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment regarding Wine’s message.

Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of Museveni, has announced on social media that the military is searching for Wine, although the reasons for this action and any potential charges remain unclear.

On Saturday, Wine stated that Museveni had “usurped the will of the people.” He stated that while he was outside of Uganda, he would connect with international allies and subsequently return to pursue what he referred to as a movement for freedom and democracy.

Museveni, 81, has been in power in Uganda since 1986 and has consistently secured election victories, which opposition groups and rights organizations claim were tainted by intimidation and violence—allegations that the government refutes.