The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed concern over reports that opposition leader Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms in the country. In a statement, the lawyers’ body said it was troubled by claims that security personnel had surrounded Bobi Wine’s residence and restricted his movement without a court order or any formal legal justification. The society noted that if confirmed, the reported actions would amount to an unlawful deprivation of liberty.
Concerns Over Due Process
ULS emphasized that any limitation on a citizen’s freedom must strictly follow the law and be sanctioned by a competent court. The society cautioned that enforcing restrictions through security deployments, without clear legal backing, undermines due process and erodes public confidence in state institutions.
Call for Accountability and Transparency
The lawyers’ body called on the relevant state agencies to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported house arrest and either produce lawful orders justifying the restrictions or immediately lift them. ULS further urged authorities to respect civil liberties, particularly political rights, as the country navigates a sensitive political environment. The society also reminded security agencies of their duty to act professionally and within the confines of the law, warning that failure to do so risks setting a dangerous precedent.
Ongoing Political Tensions
Bobi Wine, a prominent opposition figure and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has in the past accused authorities of harassment and intimidation. His reported confinement has reignited debate over political freedoms, human rights, and the treatment of opposition leaders in Uganda. As pressure mounts from legal bodies and civil society groups, attention now turns to how the government will respond to the concerns raised by the Uganda Law Society.
