Uganda’s Human Rights Commission Moves to Confirm Bobi Wine’s Safety Amid Election Tensions

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has taken urgent action to determine the status of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Bobi Wine, following reports suggesting he may be confined after the recent elections. The commission dispatched officers to investigate the conflicting claims and ensure his rights are protected.

UHRC chairwoman Mariam Wangadya explained that the move was prompted by contradictory reports about the opposition leader’s freedom of movement and personal safety. She stressed that the commission needed to independently verify the situation.
“I have sent a team from our office to engage with Bobi Wine directly,” Wangadya said. “We hope they will be granted access and that he will speak with them. Their findings will allow us to take informed action.”

Wangadya emphasized that running for political office is a legitimate right and should never be treated as a crime. If Bobi Wine was under house arrest, the UHRC intends to determine the reasons and ensure that any actions against him comply with the law.

Bobi Wine himself shared images showing security personnel surrounding his home and later confirmed that he had left the residence, though his family reportedly remained confined. He claimed that both police and military were actively searching for him, prompting his move to a safer location.

Earlier, his party reported on X that Bobi Wine had been “forcibly taken” by an army helicopter. The military dismissed these allegations as false and accused the opposition of attempting to incite unrest, calling the reports “baseless.”
Wangadya also noted that police described their presence as standard security arrangements for all presidential candidates. She stressed that the commission would reserve judgment until the investigative team returned with verified information.

As tensions continue in Uganda’s post-election period, the eyes of the nation are on the UHRC to clarify Bobi Wine’s situation. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for political freedoms and human rights in the country, highlighting the delicate balance between security and civil liberties.