Uganda govt denounces army raid on opposition leader

Uganda’s information minister on Sunday condemned a military raid on the home of opposition leader Bobi Wine last month, saying the government does not support indiscipline within the security forces. “We do not condone any acts of indiscipline on the side of the army and security forces,” Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, who also serves as government spokesperson, told Reuters. “So invading his home, causing damage, assaulting his wife, or anybody, is wrong.”

The comments came amid growing controversy following social media posts by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said the military was looking for Wine. Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, has not said why Wine is being sought or what charges he may face.

Baryomunsi told Reuters that Kainerugaba’s remarks should be treated as “casual comments that do not reflect state policy and state decisions.”

Since the declaration of Uganda’s election results, which Wine rejected, alleging fraud, the opposition leader has repeatedly accused state security forces of harassment and intimidation. Wine has said he was placed under house arrest in the days leading up to the election, severely limiting his ability to campaign. He also claimed that security personnel raided his residence and maintained heavy military surveillance around his home.

Wine publicised these allegations through videos and statements shared on social media, showing armed forces stationed around his residence and describing what he characterised as unlawful harassment. His wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, has also spoken publicly about her experiences, saying she was harassed by security operatives and later hospitalised as a result of the ordeal.

Tensions escalated further after a series of social media posts by Kainerugaba appeared to issue threats against Wine and his supporters. In some posts, he claimed responsibility for the killing of what he described as “30 NUP ,” whom he labelled terrorists.

The remarks by Chris Baryomunsi come at a time when the government is facing mounting pressure over its human rights record, with growing concerns over the credibility of recent election outcomes. The comments also emerge amid increasing international scrutiny, as several countries, including the United States, have called for a review of security cooperation with Kampala.