Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly acknowledged that the army carried out an operation at the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, but denied allegations that his wife, Barbie Itungo, was assaulted.
In a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter), Muhoozi dismissed claims that soldiers attacked Barbie during the raid, stating that the operation was intended to target Bobi Wine himself.
“My soldiers did not beat up Barbie… Kabobi’s wife. First of all, we do not beat up women. They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband, not her,” Muhoozi wrote.
The remarks come at a time of heightened tension following reports that security forces stormed Bobi Wine’s residence in Magere, Wakiso District, in an operation that opposition figures describe as violent and unlawful.
While Muhoozi denied any mistreatment of Barbie, his post appeared to confirm that a military operation indeed took place at the opposition leader’s home.
The raid has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups, legal bodies, and opposition politicians, who argue that the use of the army in civilian political matters is unconstitutional and dangerous.
Muhoozi’s statement has further inflamed public debate, with many Ugandans questioning the role of the military in targeting political opponents and demanding transparency over the circumstances surrounding the operation.
The incident adds to growing concerns over civil-military relations and the shrinking space for political opposition in Uganda ahead of future elections.
