Uganda's military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has denied claims that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, the wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine, during a raid at their home.
Wine, who is in hiding, alleged on Saturday that his wife was held at gunpoint by military officers who assaulted her, taking away documents and electronic items. He said the house continued to be surrounded by the military.
Speaking from hospital, Barbara Kyagulanyi stated that the officers demanded to know Wine's whereabouts and assaulted her when she refused to comply.
This incident follows the recent landslide victory of long-serving leader, and Kainerugaba's father, President Yoweri Museveni. Wine has rejected the election results, citing fraud.
On Monday, Kainerugaba asserted on X that my soldiers did not beat up Barbie [Bobi Wine's] wife and claimed they did not engage in acts of violence against women, instead focusing their efforts on finding Wine.
Since Museveni was announced as the election victor, Kainerugaba has reportedly called for Wine's surrender and issued threats towards him.
Despite Kainerugaba’s denials, Wine maintains that Kainerugaba continues to issue threats against him and thanked those keeping him safe. He noted that his wife is recovering from the trauma of the attack.
Barbara Kyagulanyi described being assaulted by several men, some in military uniform, recounting incidents of violence, including being struck in the face and having her clothes torn.
This assault has raised alarms about the safety and rights of the opposition in Uganda since Museveni's electoral victory, sparking allegations of state-sponsored violence against political dissenters.
The Uganda Law Society has condemned the reported incidents of violence, torture, and disappearance of opposition supporters, stating that no one should suffer violence under the pretext of national security.
