Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, has come out guns blazing to shut down viral claims that a UPDF helicopter abducted opposition leader Bobi Wine from his Kampala home in the heated aftermath of the 2026 presidential election.
In a strongly-worded statement posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account on 16 January 2026, Kakonge dismissed the helicopter abduction narrative as false, reckless, and intentionally misleading, saying verified reports from security authorities confirmed no aerial operation ever took place.
She further rubbished the claim as logistically impossible, questioning how a military helicopter could silently land in a crowded Kampala neighborhood without attracting attention.
The dramatic story had earlier spread rapidly after international media outlets including BBC and CNN echoed unverified opposition statements during a nationwide internet blackout, when access to official information was limited and rumors filled the void.
However, later security updates confirmed that Bobi Wine had escaped a ground raid, not an airlifted arrest. Police subsequently branded the helicopter version a fabrication designed to provoke public anger during an already tense political moment.
Ambassador Kakonge warned that those spreading unverified security claims could face legal consequences, adding that authorities were also reviewing media accreditation and access in cases of persistent misinformation.
Her remarks sparked a storm online, drawing mixed reactions, including support messages, sarcastic takes, and pressing questions about other alleged post-election arrests.
As Uganda continues to navigate a volatile post-election environment, the incident has underscored a powerful lesson in moments of political tension, misinformation can be just as dangerous as the conflict itself.