Uganda’s Law Society has criticised the reported deployment of security forces around the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, calling for the immediate removal of all personnel from the premises.
Mr Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was defeated by President Yoweri Museveni in the presidential election held on 15 January. Since then, he has largely remained out of public view, communicating through social media platforms.
On Monday, Mr Kyagulanyi said security forces had surrounded his residence in Magere, Wakiso District, preventing his wife and other family members from leaving the property.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) described the reported actions as illegal and a breach of constitutional protections. The organisation’s Vice President, Anthony Asiimwe, said the measures amounted to unlawful detention.
ULS said the presence of armed personnel at the residence violated a High Court ruling issued in 2021, which prohibited similar deployments. According to reports cited by the lawyers’ body, soldiers restricted movement in and out of the compound and blocked the delivery of essential supplies, including food.
While police have said the deployment was intended to maintain security, ULS argued that its real effect was to curtail personal freedom and disrupt normal family life.
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The organisation cited provisions of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution that guarantee liberty, freedom of movement and access to basic necessities, warning that any actions taken without legal justification undermine fundamental human rights.
ULS also raised concerns about comments attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, posted on his verified X account. The society said the remarks were alarming and inconsistent with the constitutional mandate of the armed forces.
In its statement, ULS described the comments as a dangerous development that risked normalising impunity and weakening the rule of law.
The lawyers’ body said the situation reflected a wider pattern of intimidation and restrictions on civic freedoms in the aftermath of the elections. President Museveni was declared the winner with 71.65% of the vote, while Mr Kyagulanyi came second with 24.72%. Mr Kyagulanyi has said he does not intend to challenge the outcome in court.
In posts shared online on Monday, Mr Kyagulanyi described what he said was a hostile environment at his home, alleging that armed personnel entered the compound, damaged gates and blocked access to food, leaving his family feeling unsafe.
ULS concluded by urging security agencies to act within the law and respect political freedoms.
“The Uganda Law Society calls for an immediate end to any unlawful siege or confinement imposed on Honourable Robert Kyagulanyi and his family,” Mr Asiimwe said.
“Ugandans deserve a political environment where competition is based on ideas and policies, not intimidation or coercion.”
No official response had been issued by security agencies at the time of publication.
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