TOP STORIES OF THE DAY! Bobi Wine Flees Uganda, Mabirizi Enters Luzira, Bamuturaki Fired, Muwanga Kivumbi Terror Case Gets Bigger

By Swift Reporter

In summary;

1. Bobi Wine Reportedly Exits Uganda Amid Security Tensions
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is reported to have left Uganda and entered a neighbouring East African country, following days of claims that his life was under threat — allegations the government strongly denies.

2. Lawyer Male Mabirizi Remanded to Luzira Over Online Posts
Controversial lawyer Male Mabirizi Kiwanuka has been charged with malicious information and hate speech and remanded to Luzira Prison after refusing to take plea on allegations linked to social media posts targeting top judicial officers.

3. Uganda Airlines Set for Major Restructuring After CEO Exit
Fresh restructuring is expected at Uganda Airlines following the departure of CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki, with reports indicating that previously dismissed staff may be rehired and whistleblowers rewarded.

4. MP Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 Others Remanded in Expanded Terror Case
Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 newly added co-accused have been remanded as prosecutors widen a terrorism case they say involves complex and transnational elements.

Details;

Bobi Wine Reportedly Leaves Uganda As Gov’t Denies Any Pursuit

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has reportedly left Uganda and entered a neighbouring East African country about a week ago, according to officials familiar with the matter, even as government leaders insist he is neither wanted nor under pursuit by state security agencies.

“That’s the information we are getting now,” one official said. “He left Uganda about seven days ago.”

The reported departure comes days after Kyagulanyi announced that he had gone into hiding on January 16, citing fears for his safety following what he described as a military raid on his Magere residence. He has since issued a series of social media statements alleging that state agencies were targeting him claims the government has repeatedly dismissed.

Last week, Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi said Kyagulanyi was free and not being pursued by any security organ.

Kyagulanyi, a two-time presidential candidate, lost the January 15 presidential election to incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni but rejected the results, citing widespread electoral irregularities. He has alleged that security forces assaulted his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, during the reported raid — claims dismissed by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said the military does not target women.

Kyagulanyi has not publicly confirmed reports that he left the country, and his party officials have remained silent about his whereabouts.

Mabirizi Remanded As Court Clash Unfolds

Meanwhile, Kampala-based lawyer Male Mabirizi Kiwanuka has been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison on four counts under the Computer Misuse Act over alleged social media posts targeting Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and Court of Appeal Justice Musa Ssekaana.

Appearing before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, Mabirizi declined to take plea, objecting to the court’s jurisdiction and the magistrate’s participation. Despite protests from the defence, the court remanded him to February 18, when his bail application will be considered.

Uganda Airlines Braces For Overhaul

In the aviation sector, Uganda Airlines is expected to undergo significant restructuring following the exit of CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki. Reports indicate that former employees dismissed during her tenure may be reinstated, while whistleblowers who exposed alleged mismanagement could be rewarded.

Journalist Andrew Mwenda, a vocal critic of the outgoing management, said the changes signal a clean-up at the national carrier and warned that failure to reform could expose the airline to international sanctions over safety and compliance concerns.

MP Kivumbi’s Terror Case Widens

In another major development, Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 newly added co-accused have been remanded until February 17 after prosecutors amended charge sheets in an expanding terrorism case.

The State says investigations are complex and transnational, while defence lawyers argue the case is politically motivated. The matter remains at a preliminary stage, with the prosecution expected to indicate readiness for committal to the High Court at the next appearance.