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Military chief denies assault claims
Uganda's military commander, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has rejected allegations that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, the wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine, during a raid at their residence. Kainerugaba, who is also President Yoweri Museveni's son, stated on Monday that his forces did not harm Kyagulanyi, dismissing the accusations as unfounded.
Opposition leader accuses military of violence
Bobi Wine, who remains in hiding, claimed on Saturday that military personnel held his wife at gunpoint, physically assaulted her, and confiscated documents and electronic devices. He reported that their home continues to be surrounded by security forces. Wine has consistently rejected the results of the 15 January election, citing electoral fraud in favor of Museveni, who secured another term.
Barbara Kyagulanyi details assault
From her hospital bed, Barbara Kyagulanyi recounted the raid, describing how armed men, some in military uniform, forcibly entered their home. She alleged that one officer struck her in the face, tearing her lip, while another lifted her by the waistband of her trousers, leaving her partially undressed. She stated that she lost consciousness during the ordeal and was later hospitalized with physical and psychological injuries.
"One of the men hit me on the face and tore my lip. Another choked me as I hung in the air," she said.
Barbara Kyagulanyi
Escalating tensions post-election
Since Museveni's victory was announced, Kainerugaba has publicly demanded Wine's surrender and issued threats against him. Wine, in a Monday post, confirmed that the military chief was still searching for him and reiterated that his home remained under military surveillance. He expressed gratitude to supporters for helping keep him safe.
Opposition figures have reported a surge in detentions and violence since the election. Kainerugaba claimed on Friday that security forces had killed 30 supporters of Wine's National Unity Party (NUP) and detained 2,000 others. Lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi, a close ally of Wine, was arrested last week on charges linked to election-related unrest, which the party denies.
Human rights groups condemn crackdown
The Uganda Law Society condemned the "ongoing wave of detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances" targeting opposition leaders and their supporters. In a statement released on Sunday, the society declared that no individual should face violence from security forces under the guise of national security.
"No-one should be subjected to violence by security forces under the pretext of national security," the Uganda Law Society said.
Uganda Law Society
Historical context of political power
Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since gaining independence. Museveni, who first took office as a rebel leader in 1986, is set to complete 45 years in power by the end of his current term in 2031.
