Gbenro Adesina
Justice Michael Elubu of the Ugandan High Court has ordered that all the security operatives surrounding the house of opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly know as Bobi Wine, should vacate with immediate effect.
Wine has been under house arrest since the January 14, 2021 presidential election.
Justice Elubu condemned the government of Uganda for imposing house arrest on Wine, saying that Wine’s house is not a proper detention facility, stressing that the government can properly charge him to court if he has violated any law of the land.
The judge said, “It is my finding that the continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant to his home is unlawful. As a result, his right to personal liberty has been infringed. Consequently, an order for the restoration of the personal liberty of the applicant is hereby issued”.
Although, both the police and the military blocking his house have promised to comply with court order, but as at the time of filing this report, they are yet to vacate his premises.
Bobi Wine has reacted to the ruling as a welcome development.
However, he regretted that the security operatives are yet to comply with the court order.
He said, “The High Court ruled this morning that my continued house arrest (11 days now) is illegal and unconstitutional. Several hours later, the military still surrounds my home, blocking access to all! Perhaps (as always) waiting for Gen. Museveni’s orders on the next course of action”.
