Uganda’s minister denounces the military’s raid on the residence of the opposition leader

Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi criticized a military raid on opposition leader Bobi Wine’s residence last month, stating to Reuters that the popstar-turned-politician had not engaged in any wrongdoing and was welcome to return home.

Wine has been in seclusion for weeks after escaping his residence in the capital, Kampala, just hours before being declared the runner-up to President Yoweri Museveni in the January 15 presidential election.

On January 24, Wine reported that his wife was taken to the hospital following an invasion of their home by soldiers, who allegedly partially undressed and choked her.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief and son of Museveni, refuted claims that soldiers attacked Wine’s wife, but subsequently stated on X that they had “captured and then released” her.

Baryomunsi, serving as a government spokesperson, stated that the authorities would conduct an investigation into the incident.

“We do not support any acts of indiscipline from the army and security forces,” he stated in an interview. “Invading his home, causing damage, and assaulting his wife or anyone else is unequivocally wrong.”

He chose not to disclose whether security personnel would encounter any penalties if it was determined that they had breached the law.

A representative for Wine’s National Unity Platform party did not reply to calls or messages seeking comment.

Kainerugaba has indicated through social media that the military is seeking Wine, who has dismissed the election results, claiming fraud. The army chief has not disclosed the reasons for seeking Wine or the potential charges he may face.

For many years, rights groups and the opposition have alleged that Museveni’s government, in power for four decades, employs the military to stifle dissent, a claim the government refutes.

Baryomunsi stated that Uganda has no intentions of withdrawing its military forces from the African Union mission aimed at combating jihadists in Somalia. This statement contradicts recent remarks made by Kainerugaba, who last week suggested on X that troops might be pulled out of Somalia due to financing concerns.

Kainerugaba has a track record of posting controversial content on social media, which he frequently removes afterward. He once issued a threat to behead Wine and also claimed that the military had killed 30 opposition supporters.

Baryomunsi stated that Kainerugaba’s posts ought to be regarded as “casual comments that do not represent state policy and state decisions.”