The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has sharply criticised the government over what it describes as the unlawful house arrest of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s family at their home in Magere.

In a statement released on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the society condemned what it called an unprovoked invasion and barricading of the premises. It said security forces imposed illegal restrictions on Kyagulanyi’s family and other occupants, effectively trapping them inside without lawful justification.

“The Uganda Law Society unreservedly condemns Government for the unprovoked invasion and barricading of the Magere home of Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, subjecting his family and other occupants to house arrest and unlawful restrictions,” the statement read.

Multiple media reports showed that security personnel surrounded the Magere residence, blocked movement in and out, and stopped essential supplies, including food, from reaching the household.

The society said these actions directly violated a High Court ruling in Miscellaneous Cause No. 16 of 2021, in which Kyagulanyi and his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, sued the Attorney General and others.

The Uganda Police Force earlier denied the claims. However, the Law Society rejected that explanation, arguing that the operation imposed arbitrary limits on personal freedom and cut off people’s ability to earn a living.

According to the society, such actions breach Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty, freedom of movement, and the right to an adequate standard of living. It noted that access to food and basic necessities forms part of these protections.

“Any actions that deny these rights without lawful basis are a direct violation of fundamental freedoms and amount to degrading and inhuman treatment,” the statement said.

Concern over Muhoozi comments

The Law Society also raised alarm over remarks made by Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba on his verified X account. In the posts, Kainerugaba claimed security forces had killed 22 supporters of the National Unity Platform and expressed hope that Kyagulanyi would be the next target.

The society said the comments reflected a dangerous rise in impunity and disregard for the rule of law. It added that such statements clash with the constitutional duty of the armed forces to remain neutral, non-partisan, and committed to protecting all citizens.

“The current situation in Uganda is a climate of intimidation, restricted civic space, and gross human rights abuses,” the statement said. It stressed that political competition and election disputes do not justify isolating opponents or subjecting them to harassment, threats, or degrading treatment.

ULS demanded an immediate end to all unlawful confinement, sieges, or external restrictions placed on Kyagulanyi and his family. It urged security agencies to act within the law, respect democratic principles, and protect the dignity and rights of all Ugandans without discrimination.

“Ugandans deserve a society where political leadership is contested on the basis of ideas, policies, and respect for the rule of law, not through coercion, deprivation, or threats to life,” the statement added.