Bobi Wine further emphasised the premeditated nature of the assault, saying, “Like she narrated, these criminals were filming everything and definitely sending them to their deranged boss!”
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has accused the country’s military of assaulting his wife and occupying their home in a continuing crackdown on his family.
In a statement shared on social media on Friday, Bobi Wine lamented that a picture of his wife was circulated by President Yoweri Museveni’s son and head of Uganda’s military, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He recounted the harrowing events of the raid on their home, stating, “When soldiers on his orders raided our home, they made her to sit down, put her on gunpoint to reveal her phone passwords and my whereabouts, assaulted her, and eventually tore her nightdress shirt while filming. It was only after her blood pressure rose, and she became unconscious that these thugs left her, before she was rushed to hospital.”
Bobi Wine further emphasised the premeditated nature of the assault, saying, “Like she narrated, these criminals were filming everything and definitely sending them to their deranged boss!”
Despite the violence, he highlighted his wife’s resilience, noting, “Barbie is strong and appreciates all of you who have reached out with messages of strength and solidarity, as she tries to recover from the trauma.”
Reflecting on the personal impact of the attack, Bobi Wine said, “Indeed, when she swore for better for worse, she never imagined these thugs placing their filthy hands on her. But it happened, and she took it with grace. She courageously confronted the criminals and refused to surrender despite the violence.”
The statement also shed light on the ongoing military occupation of his home.
“Meanwhile, our home remains occupied by the military as they try to hunt me down,” he wrote. “No one is allowed to access my home, not even family members trying to deliver basic needs like food.”
Bobi Wine used the statement to reiterate his commitment to the struggle for political freedom in Uganda, expressing hope and faith for the country’s future.
“In all this, we remain encouraged by our undying faith that UGANDA WILL BE FREE. Museveni and his son will one day pay for all the crimes committed against the people of Uganda,” he said, concluding his post with the hashtag, #FreeUgandaNow.
The opposition leader’s revelations come amid heightened tensions in Uganda, where critics have long accused the government of targeting political opponents through the military and security agencies. The latest account, shared directly by Bobi Wine, provides a vivid and deeply personal perspective on the risks faced by opposition figures and their families.
Human rights advocates have consistently raised concerns about the treatment of political opponents in Uganda, highlighting reports of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation.
Bobi Wine, who has previously survived multiple political confrontations, appears undeterred in his pursuit of political change.
On January 17, SaharaReporters reported that Wine described an unpleasant experience, saying, "Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. There were helicopters hovering over."
He confirmed that he managed to evade the authorities while some of his family members remained detained.
"I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest. I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe,” he said.
Wine also addressed the confusion surrounding his whereabouts, linking it to a nationwide internet shutdown.
"I understand that there has been great concern and speculation regarding my whereabouts. Please understand this is the context of a nationwide internet shutdown. Given the commotion that happened at our house at night, and given that no one is allowed to access the house, our neighbours concluded that they had succeeded in abducting us and spread the news," he said.
The opposition leader used the statement to reject the results of the recent presidential election, which he described as fraudulent. "I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading. In addition to the ballot stuffing, the military take-over of the election, the detention of our leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, their results have zero backing!"
He further condemned violence against protesters.