Several prominent Ugandans and voices on social media have condemned the reported overnight raid on the home of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and the alleged assault on his wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, who is currently admitted at Nsambya Hospital.
Among the strongest critics was Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, who described the incident as part of a dangerous pattern of political repression.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the violent attack on the home of Barbara Itungo, the brutal assault on her, her staff, and the continued persecution of the family of Bobi Wine,” Byanyima said.
“A violent, militarised election can never reflect the will of the people… This is state terror, not democracy. This is not the peaceful country we fought to have.”
Byanyima also pointed to what she described as a deteriorating civic environment, citing abductions, killings, opposition leaders forced into hiding, and prolonged disruption of internet services as signs of deepening authoritarianism.
Her sentiments were echoed by other public figures and commentators online, many of whom expressed outrage at the alleged treatment of a political leader’s family and called for accountability from the security agencies involved.
Human rights activists and opposition supporters also took to social media to condemn what they described as the targeting of families of government critics, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic principles.
The condemnations come amid heightened political tensions following claims by Bobi Wine that security forces raided his Magere home, damaged property and subjected his wife and staff to hours of intimidation.
The military leadership, led by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has denied that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi.
As debate continues online and in political circles, calls are growing for an independent investigation into the incident and for assurances of safety for political actors and their families as the country navigates an increasingly charged political climate.
