Uganda Law Society Condemns ‘Unlawful Siege’ of Bobi Wine’s Home, Warns of Deepening Constitutional Crisis

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.

Alleged Defiance of Court RulingAccording 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.

Constitutional Rights Cited 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.

The lawyers’ body warned that the normalization of such practices risks eroding constitutional safeguards and turning security agencies into instruments of political coercion.

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.

A Climate of IntimidationThe ULS said the events surrounding Kyagulanyi’s home reflect a broader climate of intimidation, restricted civic space, and gross human rights abuses in the country, particularly in the aftermath of electoral contests.

While acknowledging that political disagreement and electoral contestation are normal in a democracy, the Law Society emphasized that they cannot justify harassment, isolation, or inhuman treatment of political opponents and their families.“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 statement added.Call for Immediate ActionIn its concluding remarks, the Uganda Law Society called for the immediate cessation of all forms of unlawful confinement, siege, or external restrictions imposed on Kyagulanyi and his family. It also urged all security agencies to act strictly within the confines of the Constitution, respect democratic processes, and uphold the dignity and rights of all citizens without discrimination.

The statement was signed by Asiimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to standing with Ugandans in defense of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.As of publication, government and security officials had not issued a formal response to the Law Society’s allegations.