The Uganda Law Society has strongly criticized what it describes as an unlawful siege on the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in Magere, Wakiso District.
The society claims security officers have effectively confined his family, restricting their daily life and access to essential supplies.
According to media reports cited by the society, security personnel were stationed around the residence, preventing free movement in and out of the compound.
The law body said the deployment limited access to food and other basic necessities, creating conditions that interfere with personal freedom and livelihood.
“These actions are arbitrary restrictions that obstruct basic freedoms,” the society said, highlighting the legal implications of the measures taken. It noted that no lawful justification has been provided for the deployment, raising concerns about respect for constitutional rights.
“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 society referred to the 1995 Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty, freedom of movement, and the right to a decent standard of living. It emphasized that denying these rights without lawful authority constitutes a direct violation and could amount to degrading and inhuman treatment.
“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 criticized statements reportedly made by senior military officials, saying such remarks could increase political tensions and intimidate opposition figures. It argued that the armed forces must remain neutral, non-partisan, and protect all citizens without bias.
“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 Uganda Law Society demanded the immediate lifting of the siege and any external restrictions on Bobi Wine and his family, insisting that security agencies act within the Constitution. It stressed that democratic competition must rely on ideas and policies, not intimidation or threats to basic survival.
“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 alleged siege reflects a narrowing of civic space and suppresses legitimate dissent. It reaffirmed its commitment to defending civil liberties and upholding constitutional order in Uganda.
