Bobi Wine Slams Police, Human Rights Commission and Religious Leaders Over Silence After Wife’s Assault

Kampala, Uganda — Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has strongly criticised the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and senior religious leaders for what he describes as “deafening silence” following the alleged assault of his wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, during a security operation at their home in Magere, Wakiso District.

In a video statement shared on social media, Bobi Wine questioned why key institutions that are ordinarily quick to comment on national incidents had failed to issue public statements condemning or explaining the attack on his wife. He accused them of abandoning their constitutional and moral responsibilities at a time when accountability was most needed .

Barbara Kyagulanyi was reportedly assaulted during a night raid by armed men said to be in military uniform, who were allegedly searching for her husband.

She later narrated that she was physically attacked and threatened as the operatives demanded information on Bobi Wine’s whereabouts, leaving her injured and traumatised .

Bobi Wine said the silence from the police was particularly troubling, noting that the force often issues prompt statements on far less serious matters.

He also faulted the Uganda Human Rights Commission, whose officials had reportedly visited the family home prior to the incident, but have not publicly addressed the alleged violations.

He extended similar criticism to religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, saying their failure to speak out undermined their role as the moral conscience of the nation .

The allegations have been denied by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, dismissed claims that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, insisting that the army does not harm women and that security operations were focused on locating Bobi Wine, who remains in hiding following the disputed January 15 presidential election .

The incident comes amid heightened political tension after Bobi Wine rejected the presidential election results, citing widespread irregularities.

Several local and international observers have raised concerns about post-election security operations, including raids, arrests and alleged human rights abuses targeting opposition figures and their supporters .

As of publication, neither the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Human Rights Commission nor the Inter-Religious Council had issued an official public response to Bobi Wine’s accusations.