Uganda’s opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, has alleged that armed security personnel raided his residence on Friday night, physically attacking members of his family amid rising political tension following the recent presidential election.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Wine said masked and heavily armed individuals forced their way into his home on January 23, beating relatives who were present. He further claimed that his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, was isolated during the incident, raising fears over her safety.
“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,” Wine wrote.
Bobi Wine has remained largely out of public view since January 16, when a military operation was reportedly conducted at his residence. His current location has not been publicly confirmed.
A video shared online and allegedly recorded by Barbie Kyagulanyi shows her confronting individuals inside the compound, demanding to know why they were present and what their mission was.
The incident comes shortly after Wine rejected the results of the January 15 presidential election, in which Uganda’s Electoral Commission declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner with 71.65 per cent of the vote.
Opposition figures have strongly condemned the alleged raid. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Joel Ssenyonyi described the incident as an attack on Wine’s family and expressed concern over reports that nearly 2,000 opposition members, including polling agents and senior party officials, remain unaccounted for.
He also cited reports indicating that more than two dozen deaths may have occurred during post-election unrest.
“These actions represent a serious violation of political rights and should deeply concern anyone who values democracy,” Ssenyonyi said.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the European Union acknowledging the official election results while expressing concern over the broader electoral climate.
In a statement, the EU noted issues raised by the AU–COMESA–IGAD Election Observation Mission, including allegations of an uneven playing field, arrests of civil society members, and a nationwide internet shutdown.
The EU also condemned reports of violence and threats against opposition figures, particularly Bobi Wine, urging Ugandan authorities to ensure the safety of all political actors and to exercise restraint.
Despite the concerns, the EU reiterated its commitment to continued engagement with Uganda, emphasizing cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared interests.
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