The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the alleged invasion and barricading of the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, describing the move as a violation of constitutional rights and the rule of law.
In a statement, the ULS alleged that state security officers were deployed around Wine’s residence in Magere, Wakiso District, effectively preventing entry to or exit from the premises and blocking essential supplies, including food, from reaching the household.
The society said the actions amounted to unlawful house arrest of Wine, his family, and other occupants.
According to the ULS, the Uganda Police Force has attempted to justify the restrictions as necessary for security or protective purposes.
However, the society rejected this explanation, arguing that the measures violate fundamental rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and an adequate standard of living, including access to food and basic necessities.
The ULS also raised concern over remarks attributed to the head of Uganda’s armed forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
In a post on X, Kainerugaba wrote that he wanted Wine dead, a statement the ULS described as alarming and dangerous.
The society said such comments represent a troubling escalation of impunity and abuse of power, warning that political and electoral disagreements should not result in targeted harassment, intimidation, or threats to life.
“The statements and actions reported undermine the rule of law and democratic principles,” the ULS said, calling for the immediate lifting of restrictions on Wine’s home.
It urged all security agencies to act within the confines of the Constitution, respect democratic processes, and uphold human rights.
“Ugandans deserve a society where political leadership is contested on the basis of ideas, policies, and respect for the rule of law—not through coercion, deprivation, or threats to life and sustenance,” the society added.
The developments come in the aftermath of Uganda’s recent elections, in which President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner with 71.6 per cent of the vote, securing a seventh term in office.
Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was credited with 24 per cent of the vote, results the opposition has rejected.
Wine’s whereabouts were unclear in the days following the election.
He earlier said on X that he had escaped a military raid on his home, while people close to him told Reuters that he was at an undisclosed location within Uganda.
Wine was briefly placed under house arrest following the 2021 elections.
The opposition leader has previously alleged that hundreds of his supporters were detained in the months leading up to the vote and that others were subjected to torture—claims the government has denied.
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