In brief
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's military chief, has denied accusations that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi during a recent raid on her home. The incident, which occurred while her husband, opposition leader Bobi Wine, is in hiding, has sparked controversy amid claims of election related violence and escalating tensions in the country following President Yoweri Museveni's reelection. Kyagulanyi, speaking from the hospital, described being assaulted by officers demanding to know her husband's whereabouts, while Wine continues to condemn the military's actions towards his family and supporters.
Uganda's military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has denied claims that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, the wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine, during a raid at their home.Bobi Wine, who is currently in hiding, alleged on Saturday that his wife was held at gunpoint by military officers who assaulted her and took away documents and electronic items. He claimed that their house remains surrounded by the military.Speaking from the hospital, Barbara Kyagulanyi stated that the officers demanded to know Wine's whereabouts and became violent when she refused to comply.This incident follows the recent election victory of long-time leader President Yoweri Museveni, who is Kainerugaba's father. Wine has rejected the election results, citing widespread fraud.On Monday, General Kainerugaba responded on X, claiming, “my soldiers did not beat up Barbie [Bobi Wine's] wife.” He further stated, “First of all, we do not beat up women. They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband, not her.”Since Museveni's reelection on January 15, the military chief has called for Wine’s surrender and issued threatening statements against him.Bobi Wine expressed his gratitude to those ensuring his safety while revealing that his wife is recovering from trauma following the raid. He added that their home remains under military surveillance.Barbara Kyagulanyi recounted the attack, describing how soldiers broke into their home, with some in military uniforms, physically assaulting her. She mentioned being hit in the face and forcibly picked up by the officers, leaving her partly undressed during the assault.She lost consciousness after the ordeal and was subsequently hospitalized with both physical injuries and psychological trauma, as confirmed by her husband.The military's actions have drawn widespread condemnation, with the Uganda Law Society criticizing the ongoing violence and abuse of power. They declared that no individual should suffer violence in the name of national security.Uganda has not seen a peaceful transfer of power since its independence, and Museveni, who assumed office in 1986, is set to serve until at least 2031.
