Uganda’s military leadership has vehemently denied allegations that soldiers physically assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, wife of prominent opposition figure Bobi Wine, during a controversial raid on their residence. The incident occurred amidst escalating political tensions following President Yoweri Museveni’s disputed electoral victory on January 15.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has accused military personnel of holding his wife at gunpoint, conducting violent assaults, and confiscating personal documents and electronic devices during the home invasion. From her hospital bed, Barbara Kyagulanyi provided harrowing details of the encounter, describing how dozens of armed men—some in military attire—forcibly entered their home, demanded information about her husband’s whereabouts, and subjected her to physical violence when she refused to cooperate.
The alleged assault included being struck in the face resulting in a torn lip, lifted by her waistband while being choked, and having her blouse forcibly removed leaving her partially exposed. She reported losing consciousness during the ordeal and is currently receiving treatment for both physical injuries and psychological trauma.
Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also President Museveni’s son, publicly refuted these claims via social media platform X, stating: ‘My soldiers did not beat up Barbie’s wife. First of all, we do not beat up women. They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband not her.’
Since the election results were announced, Kainerugaba has repeatedly demanded Wine’s surrender and issued explicit threats against the opposition leader. Wine remains in hiding, confirming that his home continues to be surrounded by military forces while expressing gratitude to supporters for ensuring his safety.
The Uganda Law Society has condemned what it describes as an ‘ongoing wave of detentions, torture and enforced disappearance’ targeting opposition figures and their supporters. According to Kainerugaba’s own statements, security forces have killed 30 supporters of Wine’s National Unity Party (NUP) and detained approximately 2,000 individuals since the election.
This political crisis unfolds against the backdrop of Museveni’s extended 45-year presidency, with Uganda having never experienced a peaceful presidential transition since gaining independence.