The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned what it describes as a violent and unlawful assault on Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Barbie, the wife of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), calling the incident a dangerous escalation in Uganda’s civil-military relations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony said the attack occurred on the night of January 23 at the couple’s home in Magere, just hours after a ULS delegation had visited Mrs. Kyagulanyi to discuss legal options for ending what the society termed her family’s prolonged house arrest.
“This was not an isolated incident but a blatant abuse of state power,” Asiimwe said. “Armed intruders broke into her home, assaulted her, and demanded information about her husband’s whereabouts. This crosses a red line in civil-military relations and violates the most basic constitutional rights.”
According to ULS, the assailants allegedly acted under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), with police supervision. The attackers reportedly confiscated documents and other property, and Mrs. Kyagulanyi sustained physical injuries and psychological trauma that forced her to seek medical treatment.
ULS described the incident as part of a wider pattern of repression targeting opposition figures, particularly members and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), following the recently disputed elections.
“This is a deliberate attempt to intimidate the political opposition and terrorise peaceful civilians under the guise of national security,” Asiimwe added. “No Ugandan should be subjected to violence, torture, or unlawful searches by state agencies.”
In response, the Radical New Bar (RNB) Governing Council of ULS, led by its president Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, resolved to take several actions. These include petitioning court to lift Mrs. Kyagulanyi’s house arrest, launching an independent investigation to pursue civil and criminal liability against those involved, and convening a national dialogue on enforced disappearances and political persecution.
ULS also said it is exploring both domestic and international legal avenues to hold the perpetrators and their commanders accountable.
“The law must prevail over terror,” Asiimwe said. “We stand in solidarity with Mrs. Kyagulanyi and all Ugandans who continue to suffer under unlawful repression.”
