By Ben Musanje
Kampala woke up to dramatic developments as the long and tense military siege at the home of opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, finally came to an end after 68 days. For many, it looked like a moment of relief. But for the Uganda Law Society, the real fight is only just beginning.
The powerful lawyers’ body has come out swinging, making it clear that lifting the siege changes absolutely nothing about their mission. They are doubling down on their earlier promises to Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, the wife of Bobi Wine, and her family, insisting that justice must be pursued to the very end.
At the center of this storm is Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde, who is leading a firm and unyielding stance. Alongside him are key figures like Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, who personally visited the besieged home earlier this year, and Advocate Benon Makumbi, who is steering the legal battle already underway in court.
In a statement issued today morning signed by Ssemakadde and ULS Acting Secretary Ssali Babu, the society says it made three serious commitments back in January, and it is standing by every single one of them. First, it wants the courts to step in decisively to prevent any future house arrests. Second, it is pushing for a full-scale independent investigation that could expose those responsible and even open the door to international prosecution. Third, it is calling for a national conversation about what it describes as growing repression, disappearances, and political persecution in the country.
Even more striking is the fact that the legal fight is no longer just talk. A case has already been filed in the Kasangati Chief Magistrate’s Court, and the lawyers say they are ready to pursue it relentlessly once hearings begin.
Despite the siege being lifted, the Uganda Law Society is warning that the deeper issues remain unresolved. They argue that what happened at the Kyagulanyi home cannot simply be brushed aside now that soldiers have withdrawn. For them, this is about setting a precedent and defending the rule of law for all Ugandans.
Barbara Kyagulanyi and her family have been assured they are not alone in this battle. The society says it will stand firmly with them, refusing any compromise that falls short of full accountability.
What began as a military standoff has now transformed into a high-stakes legal and political showdown, with the Uganda Law Society making it clear that this is no longer just about one family, but about the future of justice in Uganda. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
