KAMPALA – Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) James Ochaya has told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that police will only vacate the residence of opposition leader Bobi Wine when he returns to the country, adding that security measures are in place to protect him and his property immediately upon his arrival.
The remarks came during a tense PAC hearing on Tuesday, where legislators questioned the continued heavy deployment of security personnel at the residence of the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader. The deployment has been in place since the elections, raising concerns about the conduct of security agencies and the political climate in the country.
“The house is under security surveillance with heavy deployment because the owners are not there. We shall vacate the premises when Hon. Kyagulanyi returns,” AIGP James Ochaya said, emphasising that the deployment is meant to safeguard property and prevent criminal activity.
He added: “We are protecting the house from thieves and ensuring that his properties remain safe.”
However, Ochaya did not respond directly to questions about earlier incidents where police were accused of invading the house, vandalising property, and allegedly assaulting Bobi Wine’s wife. Lawmakers pressed for clarity on why such actions occurred, but the police chief remained vague, highlighting the ongoing sensitivity of the situation.
Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa asked the police leadership if they were aware of Bobi Wine’s current whereabouts, given that the opposition leader has largely remained out of public view since the elections. Ochaya replied that he did not know where Bobi Wine was.
Bobi Wine, who challenged long-serving President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 general elections, has rejected the official results announced by the Electoral Commission of Uganda, claiming that widespread irregularities, intimidation, and vote manipulation undermined the credibility of the vote. He has called for electoral reforms and greater transparency, insisting that the official results do not reflect the will of Ugandan voters.
During the PAC session, AIGP James Ochaya confirmed that upon Bobi Wine’s return, security agencies will immediately provide him with escorts. “We shall give him escorts by force for his protection,” he said. Some legislators questioned whether the measure would serve as protection or amount to increased surveillance and restriction of the opposition leader.
The situation highlights growing political tensions in Uganda in the post-election period. Bobi Wine’s absence from public view has sparked speculation among supporters and the public, with many believing that the political climate and pressure from security agencies have forced him to operate cautiously. Meanwhile, NUP officials continue to maintain that the party’s activities are legal and peaceful, despite persistent scrutiny from security agencies.
The heavy police deployment around Bobi Wine’s residence has also raised broader questions about the balance between security and civil liberties. Human rights advocates have urged authorities to ensure that protective measures do not escalate into intimidation or suppression of political dissent.
PAC members, meanwhile, pressed for accountability and transparency in the management of security operations around opposition leaders. Ochaya’s testimony has added another layer to the ongoing debate over law enforcement conduct, political stability, and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
As Uganda continues to navigate the post-election environment, the presence of police at Bobi Wine’s home and his continued absence from the public eye remain key issues. Analysts say that how the authorities handle his return could signal the government’s approach to opposition politics and democratic freedoms in the country.
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