Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has accused unidentified security individuals of planting surveillance devices in his office and tampering with his property in what he calls a deliberate effort to monitor his movements and intimidate his political activities.In a statement released on Monday, Bobi Wine revealed that a technical team had been sweeping his offices after security forces searched NUP offices. According to his account, the team uncovered various spying devices, including a GPS tracker hidden in a vehicle parked at his office, a camera discreetly placed in his office and an unidentified gadget whose function remains unclear. In a startling revelation, he also claimed that objects resembling traditional witchcraft fetishes were discovered under the carpet in his office, raising concerns over the motive behind their placement.A Covert Surveillance Operation?The discovery of surveillance equipment in Bobi Wine’s premises has raised serious questions about political espionage in Uganda. The presence of a GPS tracking device hidden behind a vehicle light suggests that someone intended to monitor his movements, potentially putting his security at risk. The small camera found in his office further intensifies concerns that his private discussions and strategic plans may have been compromised.“This is a blatant act of surveillance and intimidation. They want to track my movements and monitor every conversation I have,” Bobi Wine remarked in response to the findings. “But we shall not be moved because of the justness of our cause and the correctness of our mission.”Political Climate and Past IncidentsBobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has long been at odds with the Ugandan government led by President Yoweri Museveni. Since rising to prominence as a musician-turned-politician, he has been at the center of numerous crackdowns, arrests, and alleged human rights abuses targeting opposition leaders.His claims of office bugging follow a pattern of events where opposition figures in Uganda have reported surveillance, wiretapping, and other forms of state-sponsored intimidation. In 2021, reports surfaced alleging that authorities had used Israeli-made spyware, Pegasus, to monitor journalists, activists, and opposition members. If the recent discoveries in Bobi Wine’s office are indeed linked to state actors, it would further validate fears that surveillance against opposition leaders remains rampant.Security ImplicationsThe use of tracking devices and cameras in private offices poses a major breach of privacy and security. Experts warn that such tactics can expose opposition leaders to threats beyond just monitoring, including targeted harassment, sabotage, and even physical harm.The Role of ‘Fetishes’ in Political IntimidationBeyond the technological surveillance, Bobi Wine’s claim that traditional fetishes (locally known as ebyawongo) were found under his office carpet adds an unusual dimension to the intimidation tactics being employed. In many African societies, such objects are often associated with witchcraft, fear, and psychological warfare. Their placement in his office could have been an attempt to instil fear or signal a sinister message.“This is not just about technology; there is a psychological aspect to it,” noted a political commentator. “Someone wants Bobi Wine and his supporters to feel vulnerable, unsafe, and fearful. It’s an intimidation tactic that plays into cultural fears.”Opposition’s Response and Next StepsBobi Wine has vowed not to be shaken by the revelations, reiterating that his political mission remains unchanged. His team continues to conduct a thorough security sweep of his premises to ensure there are no further hidden devices or threats.Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform has called for an independent investigation into the matter. Party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi condemned the intrusion, labeling it as an attack on democracy. “These illegal tactics are being used to suppress opposition voices. We demand accountability and action from authorities,” he stated.The Ugandan government has yet to respond to the allegations, and there is no confirmation of any formal investigation into the incident. However, opposition members fear that this is part of a broader strategy to curtail their activities ahead of future elections.A Call for International AttentionHuman rights organizations and international observers have been monitoring Uganda’s political climate, particularly the treatment of opposition figures. If Bobi Wine’s claims are verified, it could prompt fresh scrutiny into the use of surveillance and intimidation tactics by the state.The opposition leader remains steadfast in his belief that, despite these challenges, his cause will prevail. “We remain unmoved because of the justness of our cause. We shall certainly overcome,” he said.As investigations continue, the political landscape in Uganda remains tense, with opposition leaders and activists bracing for what they anticipate could be further acts of suppression. Whether this incident will spark wider political and legal consequences remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bobi Wine’s accusations have once again thrust Uganda’s political tensions into the global spotlight.The post Security Forces Planted Spying Gadgets, GPS Trackers and Fetishes In My Office — Bobi Wine appeared first on The Insider.