In a troubling escalation of tensions in Uganda, the military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has refuted allegations that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, the spouse of opposition leader Bobi Wine, during a raid on their residence. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the increasingly perilous environment for dissent in the country following the recent presidential elections.
Allegations of Assault
Bobi Wine, currently in hiding, claimed on Saturday that military personnel stormed their home, held his wife at gunpoint, and assaulted her while demanding information about his whereabouts. The opposition leader described how armed forces continued to surround their property, exacerbating the already tense situation. Following the alleged incident, Barbara Kyagulanyi was hospitalised, where she recounted being harassed and physically assaulted by the intruders.
From her hospital bed, Barbara detailed the harrowing experience, stating, “Dozens of men broke into my house, some in military uniforms. They hit me on the face and tore my lip,” adding that one officer choked her while another lifted her by her waistband. She described the traumatic events as so severe that she lost consciousness, requiring medical attention for both physical injuries and psychological trauma.
Military Chief’s Response
General Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, took to social media to deny the accusations, asserting, “My soldiers did not beat up Barbie. First of all, we do not beat up women. They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband, not her.” His comments reflect the growing animosity between the government and opposition factions since Museveni’s controversial re-election.
Following the polls held on January 15, which Wine has condemned as fraudulent, the military has intensified its pursuit of the opposition leader. Kainerugaba has made statements suggesting that he is actively seeking Wine’s capture and has even issued threats against him. In a recent post, Wine expressed gratitude to his supporters for safeguarding him while lamenting that his home remains under military surveillance.
Ongoing Repression of Opposition
Since Museveni’s victory, the opposition has alleged that security forces have targeted its supporters with increasing violence. Reports indicate that 30 supporters of Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) have been killed, with approximately 2,000 others detained. Lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi, a prominent ally of Wine, was arrested last week under allegations connected to election-related violence—claims that the NUP vehemently denies.
The Uganda Law Society has condemned the rise in detentions and torture of opposition members, stating, “No one should be subjected to violence by security forces under the pretext of national security.” These comments underline the growing discontent with the government’s approach to dissent and the urgent need for accountability.
Political Context
Uganda has a long history of political unrest, and the current situation exemplifies the challenges faced by those opposing the entrenched leadership of President Museveni, who has ruled since 1986. As he approaches 45 years in power, the prospect of a peaceful transition remains bleak. The ramifications of the recent election and the subsequent crackdown on dissenters signal a troubling future for democratic processes in the nation.
Why it Matters
The situation in Uganda is emblematic of broader issues regarding human rights and governance in Africa. The alleged assault on Barbara Kyagulanyi not only underscores the risks faced by political opponents but also highlights the lengths to which the government will go to maintain control. As the international community watches closely, the events in Uganda may catalyse a renewed focus on the fight for democracy and the need for systemic change in nations grappling with authoritarian rule.
