UgandaToday: IRCU Intervenes in Kyagulanyi–Security Impasse Amid Rising Post-Election Tensions
Clerics Launch Fact-Finding Mission at Kyagulanyi’s Home
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has stepped into the escalating political and security standoff involving former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, following widespread public concern over reports of a military siege at his residence.
Led by its chairperson, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, a delegation of senior clerics on Tuesday visited Kyagulanyi’s home on what they described as a fact-finding mission. The visit followed viral videos and statements released by Kyagulanyi and his party’s Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, alleging that the army forcefully tightened security around the residence on January 17, 2026, prompting Kyagulanyi to flee for his life.
Alleged Siege, Food Shortages and Denied Access
According to the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership, Kyagulanyi’s wife Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi and other occupants of the home were left under heavy security deployment, unable to leave the premises and reportedly running out of food supplies.
Earlier, Rubongoya had told the general public that his attempt to deliver food to the family was thwarted when soldiers manning the the surrounding precincts of Kyagulanyi’s residence denied him entry, forcing him to return with the supplies. The situation, he said, raised serious humanitarian and constitutional concerns.
Barbie Kyagulanyi Recounts Fateful Night and All these Days Ordeal
Addressing the IRCU delegation, Barbie Itungo narrated what she described as a terrifying night and all these days subsequent operations in which armed forces allegedly invaded the area, cut off electricity supply, and deployed a helicopter that hovered over the residence, illuminating it in the dead of night.
She confirmed that it was during this incident that Kyagulanyi escaped from the residence for his safety, leaving the family behind under siege. Her account drew visible concern from the religious leaders.
Museveni’s Post-Election Call to IRCU
The intervention by IRCU comes against the backdrop of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s post-election remarks, in which he said he would ask the interfaith body to engage and dissuade youth from engaging in what he termed “terrorist acts” during protests challenging his declared victory.
Kyagulanyi, who has rejected the election results, had earlier stated that he was pursuing a “protest vote”, expressing certainty that what he described as a biased Electoral Commission would not declare him winner.
Militarisation Concerns and University Deployment
Tensions had already been heightened weeks before polling day following heavy military deployment across Kampala, including Makerere University, which critics said had been turned into a de facto military barracks. Calls for the withdrawal of the army from the university campus have persisted, with students, lecturers and civil society groups raising concerns over academic freedom and civilian space.
Deadly Protests and Conflicting Casualty Claims
Post-election unrest erupted in several parts of the country, including Kayunga, Kyotera, Masaka, Jinja and Iganga, further escalating national anxiety.
The situation worsened after the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, tweeted that the army had killed “22 NUP terrorists” since the previous week. Kyagulanyi acknowledged fatalities among his supporters but disputed the framing, later stating that the number of his supporters killed could be as high as 100.
In another controversial post, Muhoozi was quoted expressing a wish that Kyagulanyi’s killing would add up to a “23rd person,” remarks that sparked outrage among opposition supporters, human rights defenders and sections of the public.
IRCU Seeks Engagement with Security Leadership
Following their visit, the IRCU delegation pledged to engage the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other relevant security authorities in a bid to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
“The role of religious leaders is to preserve life, promote dialogue and prevent the country from sliding into violence,” Kaziimba Mugalu said, underscoring IRCU’s commitment to mediation.
Signs of De-Escalation Emerge
Sources at Kyagulanyi’s residence reported that shortly after the IRCU visit, some pockets of security personnel were seen withdrawing from the home, a development viewed by observers as a potential first step toward easing tensions.
Whether the intervention will lead to a broader political dialogue remains to be seen, as Uganda continues to grapple with the aftermath of a highly contested election and growing calls for restraint from all sides.
Hashtags
#UgandaToday #IRCU #Kyagulanyi #OperaNewsFeeds #PhoenixNewsFeeds
Publisher
