KAMPALA.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has sued the government over what it has described as an unlawful and drawn out military style siege of Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi’s residence in Magere, Wakiso District.
In a petition filed on March 16 before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kasangati, Wakiso District, the lawyers’ umbrella body accuses State security agencies of trampling constitutional rights through continued deployment, surveillance, and restriction of movement at Mr Kyagulanyi’s home. The Attorney General is named as the respondent.
ULS is seeking orders compelling the immediate withdrawal of all armed personnel stationed around the residence and a halt to surveillance operations. It also asks for a permanent injunction restraining the State and its agents from encircling or interfering with the family’s liberty.
ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde in a media briefing condemned the actions of security agencies as “blatant constitutional violations.”
“The deployment, encirclement, blockade, surveillance, and continued presence of armed personnel at the Kyagulanyi residence constitute an unlawful restriction of personal liberty and interference with the right to privacy,” Mr Ssemakadde said.
He added that the measures amount to a de facto house arrest imposed without due process, rendering them unconstitutional, illegal, null, and void.
The petition cites violations of Articles 23 and 27 of the Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and privacy. ULS argues that the siege is disproportionate, unjustifiable, and not necessary in a free and democratic society.
Court documents note that the standoff persisted even after Mr Kyagulanyi reportedly left the country following the disputed January 15 elections, in which Museveni, 81 who has ruled Uganda since January 1986 was declared the winner with 72 percent of the vote. Mr Kyagulanyi ,43 came second with 24 percent of the of the valid votes cast.
ULS contends that the siege is an abuse of State authority and undermines the government’s constitutional duty to respect and uphold human rights.
The lawyers also ask the court to compel the government to file a detailed report within 120 days outlining measures for accountability, including investigations, prosecutions, or reforms. Failure to comply, they argue, should trigger contempt proceedings.
In a supporting affidavit, ULS vice president Anthony Asiimwe said a delegation of lawyers visiting the residence was received by Mr Kyagulanyi’s wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, who described the prevailing situation.
Mr Asiimwe stated that Ms Kyagulanyi reported frequent aerial surveillance by drones hovering above the home, as well as a constant presence of police and military personnel, especially at night.
“She also reported that officers attempted to access the premises and took photographs of her without consent, actions that caused fear and distress,” the affidavit reads.
The case adds to mounting legal battles over the State’s handling of opposition figures and the broader political climate after the elections.
