Uganda Law Society Condemns Alleged House Arrest of Bobi Wine

By : Mweru Mbugua

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned what it describes as the unlawful confinement of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, at his residence in Magere, Wakiso District

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ULS alleged that state security officers had surrounded and barricaded Wine’s home, restricting movement in and out of the premises and blocking the delivery of essential supplies, including food. The society said the actions amounted to illegal house arrest of Wine, his family, and other occupants of the residence

According to ULS, the Uganda Police Force has attempted to justify the restrictions as necessary security or protective measures. However, the society argued that such actions constitute blatant violations of fundamental rights, including personal liberty, freedom of movement, and the right to an adequate standard of living

The lawyers’ body also expressed grave concern over remarks attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who allegedly made threatening comments on X targeting Wine and members of his National Unity Platform (NUP). ULS said the statements represented a dangerous escalation of impunity and abuse of the rule of law

“Electoral disagreements should not warrant the targeting, harassment, or intimidation of political actors,” ULS said, warning that such conduct undermines democratic principles and constitutional governance

The society called for the immediate lifting of any unlawful restrictions on Wine and urged all security agencies to operate within the confines of the Constitution, respect democratic processes, and uphold human rights

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“Ugandans deserve a society where political leadership is contested on the basis of ideas and policies, not through coercion, deprivation, or threats to life,” the statement added

The condemnation comes amid heightened political tension following Uganda’s recent general election, in which President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner with 71.6 per cent of the vote. Bobi Wine was credited with 24 per cent, results he and the opposition have rejected

Wine’s whereabouts remained unclear over the weekend after he claimed to have escaped a military raid on his home. Allies said he was staying at an undisclosed location within Uganda. Wine was previously placed under house arrest following the 2021 election and has repeatedly accused authorities of detaining and torturing his supporters in the lead-up to the polls