Security personnel, including both police and military, have maintained a presence outside the homes of prominent opposition figures, including National Unity Platform (NUP) party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), activist Dr. Kizza Besigye, and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. The ongoing security presence is a response to an Opposition protest planned last week to express dissatisfaction with the poor state of roads in the city and across the country.
Confirming the continued security presence outside his home, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago stated, “They are still around; they can’t even allow my guests inside.”
Bobi Wine took to social media to update the public on the inconveniences caused by the security personnel. He posted, “In the meantime, this is the situation at our home in Magere! In addition to the stationary as well as mobile cameras planted all around our home, they are now seated on top of police trucks monitoring directly whatever is happening inside our compound. A blatant breach of our right to privacy.”
David Lewis Rubongoya, the NUP party secretary-general, commented on the situation, stating that Bobi Wine is continuing with his work and interactions with the people of Uganda despite the increased security presence. Rubongoya condemned the attempt to arrest Bobi Wine and place him under house arrest, deeming it illegal and unconstitutional.
Kampala Metropolitan Area Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, explained the continued security deployment, citing concerns that the announced demonstrations were not peaceful and could disrupt ongoing conferences in the country. Onyango stated, “When intelligence tells us that there is no threat, we shall leave the place.”
The security siege at the homes of opposition leaders has raised concerns about the violation of privacy and the impact on the daily lives of those affected.
