By Peter Luzinda
Ugandan Opposition Leader Bobi Wine Alleges Armed Soldiers Attacked His Family Home on Friday Night
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has alleged that armed and masked soldiers stormed his family home on Friday night, assaulted several relatives, and isolated his wife, raising renewed alarm over the safety of opposition figures in the country.
In a series of urgent statements shared on social media late Friday, Kyagulanyi said the attackers forcefully broke into the residence and beat members of his family before separating his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, from the rest of those inside the house. He said the intentions of the armed men were unclear and described the situation as deeply troubling.
“A group of masked, armed soldiers has just broken into our house and beat up my family members,” Kyagulanyi said. “They have currently isolated my wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, alone. Their intentions are unclear.”
The claims quickly drew international attention after being amplified by journalist Barry Malone, who said Kyagulanyi is currently in hiding amid alleged death threats from the army. Malone described the reported attack as part of what he termed an escalating pattern of intimidation against Uganda’s opposition.
“Ugandan opposition leader, who is in hiding amid death threats from the army, says soldiers have now attacked his family,” Malone wrote, calling on political leaders around the world to speak out and apply pressure on the Ugandan government.
In a follow-up post, Malone said he had witnessed the conduct of Uganda’s security forces during his time living in the country, including incidents involving senior opposition figures. He urged the international community to demand accountability and protection for opposition leaders.
There was no immediate response from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the police, or government officials regarding the allegations by the time of publication. Security agencies have previously rejected claims that they unlawfully target opposition leaders, insisting their operations are intended to maintain law and order.
Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has for years accused state security agencies of harassment, surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and violent crackdowns on his supporters. He has previously reported being assaulted by security personnel and has repeatedly raised concerns about threats to his life and that of his family.
The reported attack comes amid heightened political tension following Uganda’s January 2026 general elections, which the opposition argues were conducted in an environment of intimidation and heavy security deployment. The government has dismissed those claims, maintaining that the electoral process was free and fair.
Human rights organisations have consistently raised concerns about shrinking civic space in Uganda, warning that opposition politicians, journalists, and activists face increasing pressure from security agencies. Several groups have called for independent investigations into allegations of abuse involving state forces.
As of early Saturday, it remained unclear whether Kyagulanyi’s wife and other family members were safe, whether the armed men had withdrawn from the residence, or whether any official investigation had been launched into the incident.
The situation continues to develop, with opposition figures and civil society leaders warning that the reported attack marks a dangerous escalation in Uganda’s already tense political environment.