UgandaToday: Masked Soldiers Raid Bobi Wine’s Home as International Pressure Mounts on Uganda
Kampala, Uganda — Former presidential contender and National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has reported yet another violent military raid on his residence, raising renewed alarm over the safety of opposition figures and their families in post-election Uganda.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday night, Kyagulanyi said a group of masked and heavily armed soldiers forcibly broke into his home, assaulted family members, and isolated his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, under circumstances he described as deeply troubling and unclear.
“A group of masked, armed soldiers has just broken into our house and beat up my family members. They have currently isolated my wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, alone. Their intentions are unclear!” — Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (@HEBobiwine)
🔗 https://t.co/wAcKRdflSl
The incident is the latest in a series of intermittent security raids and surveillance operations targeting Kyagulanyi’s residence, particularly heightened during and after Uganda’s recently concluded presidential election. His home in Magere has, over the years, frequently been surrounded by armed personnel, with family members and visitors often restricted or assaulted.
Pattern of Intimidation
Human rights observers and opposition leaders have consistently described the raids as part of a broader campaign of intimidation and repression aimed at silencing dissenting political voices. Kyagulanyi, who emerged runner-up in the presidential race, has repeatedly accused state security agencies of operating outside the law and subjecting his family to collective punishment.
As of publication, Uganda’s security agencies had not issued an official statement explaining the purpose of the raid or addressing the allegations of assault and isolation of Kyagulanyi’s wife.
Growing International Concern
The reported attack has coincided with renewed international scrutiny of Uganda’s human rights record, particularly from senior United States lawmakers. In a strongly worded statement circulating on X, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, joined by Senator Cory Booker, called for concrete action against Ugandan officials accused of undermining democratic norms.
“The Trump Administration and U.S. State Department must use all tools available, including a review of U.S. security assistance, to hold individuals in Uganda accountable for undermining democratic principles.”
— @SenatorShaheen, @SenatorBooker
The statement adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Kampala, following repeated reports of election-related violence, arbitrary arrests, and military involvement in civilian political affairs.
Unanswered Questions
For Kyagulanyi and his supporters, the latest raid reinforces concerns about lawlessness within security operations and the continued militarisation of politics. The isolation of his wife during the raid has particularly drawn outrage online, with many Ugandans and international observers demanding accountability and guarantees for the safety of political families.
UgandaToday will continue to monitor developments surrounding the incident and seek official responses from the relevant authorities.
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