The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the reported siege and house arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, calling for the immediate withdrawal of all security personnel from his Magere home.
Kyagulanyi, who lost the January 15 presidential election to President Yoweri Museveni, has since gone into hiding, communicating primarily through social media. On Monday, he claimed that security forces had laid siege to his residence, preventing his wife and family from leaving the premises.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe described the alleged actions as unlawful confinement and a violation of constitutional rights.
"The Uganda Law Society unreservedly condemns Government for the unprovoked invasion and barricading of the Magere home of Honourable Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, subjecting his family and other occupants to house arrest and unlawful restrictions," Asiimwe said.
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ULS noted that the deployment of security forces around Kyagulanyi's residence in Wakiso District contravenes a 2021 High Court ruling barring such measures. Reports indicate that the soldiers blocked movement in and out of the home and prevented essential supplies, including food, from reaching the household.
While police have described the deployment as a security measure, ULS said its practical effect is the arbitrary restriction of liberty and deprivation of livelihood.
"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 amount to degrading and inhuman treatment," the statement read.
ULS also expressed concern over public statements attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on his verified X account, noting that they are "dangerous and incompatible with the constitutional role of the armed forces."
"Even more troubling are the public statements attributed to the CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba... in which he states that 22 National Unity Platform supporters have been killed and expresses hope that Honourable Kyagulanyi will be the 'next' casualty," the statement read, describing the remarks as "a dangerous escalation of impunity and abuse of the rule of law."
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The law body said the developments reflect a broader pattern of intimidation, shrinking civic space, and human rights abuses following the January 15 elections, which President Museveni won with 71.65% of the vote, while Bobi Wine came second with 24.72% and has stated he will not challenge the results.
Kyagulanyi described the situation at his home on social media on Monday:
"...the military who are stationed inside our compound yet again banged my house doors as they sang profanities, ordering the occupants to come out of the house if they're men. The people at my home say the criminals seemed to be drunk... My wife and people are not safe. They're starving after these criminals blocked food from reaching them. They cut the padlocks of our gates and replaced them with chains."
ULS concluded by urging security forces to act within the law and for all citizens to enjoy political freedoms without coercion.
"The Uganda Law Society calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of unlawful confinement, siege, or external restrictions imposed on Honourable Robert Kyagulanyi and his family," Asiimwe said.
"Ugandans deserve a society where political leadership is contested through ideas and policies, not tactics of coercion, deprivations, or threats to life and sustenance."
