Uganda High Court Rules In Bobi Wine’s Favor, Orders End To House Arrest

Uganda’s High Court on Monday ordered security forces to end their confinement of presidential election runner-up Bobi Wine.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulani, has been under de-facto house arrest at his home outside the capital, Kampala, since he returned from voting on the 14th of January.

Heavily armed soldiers and police officers surrounding the property have blocked members of Wine’s household, including his wife, Barbie, from leaving their compound.

Last week the US ambassador to Uganda was also blocked from visiting the popstar-turned-politician, who is said to have won 35 percent of the vote according to official figures.

Sitting at the court’s Civil Division in Kampala, Justice Michael Elubu ruled in favour of a petition lodged by Wine’s lawyers asking for his release.

“The continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant to his home is unlawful and his right to liberty has been infringed,” Elubu said.

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“Having found that the restrictions are unlawful it is hereby ordered that they are lifted.”

The Ugandan government had argued that the restrictions on Wine’s movements were “preventative” measures for his own protection and to prevent protests against the election result, which Wine claims was rigged in favour of President Yoweri Museveni.

Security forces are yet to vacate the area around Wine’s home according to Abdu Hakim, an aide to Wine.

Ugandan security forces have in the past disregarded court orders to release individuals or have immediately re-arrested people freed by the courts.

Bobi Wine has reacted to the court ruling..

He tweeted: “The High Court ruled this morning that my continued house arrest (11 days now) is illegal & 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.”