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Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has issued a fresh warning regarding ongoing military activity around his home in Magere, Wakiso District.
In a statement released late last night, he described how armed personnel forcibly occupied his family residence, raising fears about personal safety, property destruction, and continued harassment by security forces.
Bobi Wine said that the military has fully surrounded and occupied the property, controlling access both inside and outside the house.
According to him, the armed forces are now monitoring every corner of the residence, leaving his family completely unable to enter or regain control of their own home.
The NUP leader also revealed that this occupation comes weeks after a previous attack on the house. On January 23, he said, soldiers had broken into the property, vandalized the premises, and removed items and documents without explanation.
The impact of that initial intrusion remains unclear because the family has not been allowed to inspect the house since the incident.
He stressed that the inability to access his own property has left the family unable to determine the full extent of the damage.
Furniture, electronics, and other valuables may have been destroyed or removed, and crucial documents could have been seized during the initial raid, he said.
The recent military occupation appears to be a continuation of what Bobi Wine claims is a pattern of intimidation.
He expressed concern that the constant presence of armed personnel not only disrupts daily life but also creates an environment of fear for his family, neighbors, and supporters.
According to Bobi Wine, the military’s activities have also prevented him and his relatives from properly assessing or salvaging personal belongings.
The inability to secure their own home has made basic domestic life impossible, adding both physical and psychological stress to the family.
The opposition leader described the intrusion as more than just a threat to property. He stated that the ongoing occupation amounts to a direct attack on the family’s freedom, privacy, and security, highlighting what he sees as a systematic targeting of opposition figures by state authorities.
Bobi Wine recounted that during the first raid on January 23, soldiers allegedly vandalized parts of the house, breaking windows, doors, and other fittings. The second occupation has intensified the family’s sense of helplessness, as they are unable to assess or repair the damage caused by the initial intrusion.
The NUP leader said that his family members have been forced to remain away from the house due to the armed presence, leaving them without access to basic necessities, documentation, and essential household items. He emphasized that this is a clear violation of both human rights and personal property rights.
Bobi Wine also drew attention to the broader political implications of the military presence. He suggested that these actions are intended to intimidate him personally and to send a warning to his supporters that opposition activities will not be tolerated without consequences.
He noted that the constant surveillance and occupation have prevented him from returning home safely, effectively limiting his movement and creating additional challenges in carrying out his political work. According to him, this environment of fear is deliberately maintained by the authorities to suppress dissent.
The opposition leader emphasized that the family has been unable to document or report the exact losses suffered during the first intrusion. Items taken or destroyed during the January raid remain unaccounted for, and no explanation has been offered by the military about what was seized or why.
Bobi Wine said that the lack of accountability and the continued presence of armed forces around his property demonstrate a concerning disregard for the rule of law. He urged local authorities and human rights organizations to investigate the matter and hold those responsible to account.
He warned that this occupation is not merely an isolated incident but part of a pattern targeting opposition figures in Uganda. The repeated intrusion into his home, according to him, reflects a broader strategy to silence dissenting voices and intimidate political opponents.
Bobi Wine highlighted that neighbors and community members are also affected by the occupation, as they are now witnessing armed personnel patrolling the area, entering private properties, and creating a climate of tension in what should otherwise be a peaceful residential neighborhood.
The NUP leader stated that these actions not only endanger his family but also hinder normal life in the community. Residents have reportedly expressed fear about leaving their homes, conducting business, or attending political gatherings due to the military’s heavy presence.
He also questioned the legality of the continued occupation, noting that no court order or legal justification has been presented to justify the military’s control of his private residence. Bobi Wine said that this raises serious concerns about abuse of power and arbitrary action by state actors.
Bobi Wine further detailed that attempts to communicate with authorities about the occupation have been ignored. He said that no government official or security agency has provided explanations or assurances regarding when his family might regain access to their home.
The opposition leader’s alarm comes amid broader tensions following the recent presidential election, in which he was the runner-up. He has repeatedly alleged harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests of his supporters and other opposition figures across the country.
Finally, Bobi Wine called on Ugandan citizens, human rights organizations, and international observers to take note of the situation. He warned that the ongoing military occupation of his home is a direct threat to democracy, political freedom, and the safety of families, and urged urgent action to ensure the respect of fundamental rights in Uganda.
