BY PETER LUZINDA
KAMPALA
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as the unlawful confinement and siege of the home of opposition leader Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, warning that the reported actions amount to grave violations of the Constitution and basic human rights.
In a statement released on Tuesday under the banner of the Radical New Bar (RNB), the lawyers’ body said security forces had unilaterally invaded and barricaded Kyagulanyi’s residence in Magere, Wakiso District, effectively placing his family and other occupants under house arrest without lawful justification.
The ULS said the reported deployment of security personnel around the Magere home prevented free movement in and out of the premises and disrupted access to essential supplies, including food—actions it described as arbitrary, degrading, and unconstitutional.
According to the statement, the restrictions were imposed despite a standing High Court ruling in Miscellaneous Cause No. 16 of 2021: Robert Kyagulanyi & Barbie Kyagulanyi v Attorney General & 2 Others, which barred security agencies from unlawfully restricting the movement of Kyagulanyi and his family.
“Multiple media reports indicate that security forces were deployed around Hon. Kyagulanyi’s residence… effectively barring access to or exit from the premises,” the statement reads, adding that such conduct directly contradicts judicial guidance and undermines the rule of law.
The Uganda Police Force has previously defended similar deployments as necessary for “security reasons.” However, the Law Society dismissed that justification, arguing that the practical effect of the operation amounted to an arbitrary restriction of liberty and deprivation of livelihood, rather than legitimate protection.
The ULS invoked the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, noting that it guarantees personal liberty, freedom of movement, and the right to an adequate standard of living, including access to food and basic necessities.
“Any actions that deny these rights without lawful basis are a direct violation of fundamental freedoms and amount to degrading and inhuman treatment,” the statement said.
Concern Over Muhoozi Statements
Beyond the reported house arrest, the Law Society raised alarm over public statements attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, allegedly posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the ULS, the statements claimed that 22 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) had been killed and expressed hope that Kyagulanyi could be the “next” casualty. The Law Society described the remarks as “deeply troubling” and a dangerous escalation of impunity.
“These statements are wholly incompatible with the constitutional mandate of the armed forces to remain neutral, non-partisan, and protective of all citizens,” the statement said, warning that such rhetoric undermines public confidence in state institutions and fuels fear.