A tense standoff continued at the Magere residence of former presidential candidate Bobi Wine on Monday, with police denying access to a delegation of lawyers and lawmakers who were attempting to check on the situation inside the compound.
The group, which included human rights lawyers and legislators from the National Unity Platform (NUP), arrived on Monday morning at the estate in Magere village, Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, only to be blocked by armed police officers stationed at the entrance.
Attempts by the delegation led by NUP deputy president whip John Baptist Nambeshe and MPs including Muwadda Nkunyingi and George Musisi to gain entry were rebuffed by security personnel, who insisted on a written clearance from the Inspector General of Police, a demand the group described as “unfounded and unjustified.”
“It is unfortunate in Uganda that security is continuing to occupy the house of Kyagulanyi without any justification,” Mr Nambeshe said after the failed attempt to access the premises.
During the impasse, police arrested and detained human rights lawyer Kakulu Tumusiime, dragging him into a waiting police van, a move strongly condemned by his colleagues.
The incident comes amid an ongoing security deployment at Bobi Wine’s home following the January 15, 2026 general elections, in which President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner. The 2026 elections were marred by tension, internet disruptions and allegations of irregularities. Bobi Wine, who received about a quarter of the vote, has rejected the results and remains at large.
Security forces have maintained a near-constant presence around the residence in recent weeks, citing “national security concerns,” a position reiterated recently by police officials.
While there have been previous reports of raids, house occupation, and alleged vandalism at the property claims made by Bobi Wine and his supporters authorities continue to frame the deployment as necessary for maintaining order.
The denial of entry to lawyers and lawmakers has reignited concerns among rights activists about the rule of law and due process. Legal experts say that prolonged military or police occupation of a private residence without clear legal basis raises constitutional issues, particularly where access to the homeowner’s legal representatives is denied.
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