The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned what it described as the alleged invasion and barricading of the home of opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
In a statement, the society accused security forces of placing Bobi Wine’s family under house arrest, which it said violated constitutional rights.
The ULS cited media reports that security personnel were deployed around Bobi Wine’s Magere residence in Wakiso District.
The society said this deployment restricted movement and limited access to essential supplies, including food.
The society described the actions as arbitrary restrictions that obstruct basic freedoms.
“The Uganda Police Force has sought to dismiss these restrictions as necessary for ‘security’ or protective measures. However, the practical effect of the security deployment amounts to arbitrary restriction of liberty and deprivation of livelihood in contravention of constitutional protections,” the ULS said.
“The 1995 Constitution of Uganda guarantees the rights to 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 amounts to degrading and inhuman treatment.”
The society also referred to public remarks attributed to senior military leadership, which it said escalate political tensions and undermine the rule of law. It argued that the rhetoric could threaten political opponents and weaken civic space.
“They are wholly incompatible with the constitutional mandate of the armed forces to remain neutral, non-partisan, and protective of all citizens,” the society said.
The ULS called for an immediate end to what it described as unlawful confinement, siege and external restrictions imposed on Bobi Wine and his family, urging security agencies to operate within constitutional boundaries.
The organisation added that Uganda must remain a society where political competition is grounded in democratic contestation rather than coercion or threats.
“The Uganda Law Society calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of unlawful confinement, siege, or external restrictions imposed on Robert Kyagulanyi and his family. We further call upon all security forces to act within the confines of the Constitution, respect democratic processes, and uphold the human rights and dignity of all citizens without discrimination,” the ULS said.
“Ugandans deserve a society where political leadership is contested on the basis of ideas, policies, and respect for rule of law, not through tactics of coercion, deprivations, or threats to life and sustenance. The Uganda Law Society remains committed to standing with the people of Uganda to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
The society warned that the situation reflects shrinking civic space and suppression of dissent, adding that electoral competition does not justify prolonged restriction of political actors.
The ULS reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of civil liberties and constitutional order.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!