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Uganda Court Orders Opposition Leader Released from House Arrest

Halima Athumani

   KAMPALA - A high court in Uganda has ordered security forces to end the
   de facto house arrest of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better
   known as Bobi Wine, calling it unlawful and a violation of his
   rights.'¯

   Uganda's high court on Monday ruled the security presence at the home
   of National Unity Platform party leader Bobi Wine since January 14 was
   unlawful.

   Deputy Court Registrar Jameson Karemani read the ruling, which said the
   detention of Wine and his family was a violation of their rights.

   "It has been established that his right to personal liberty has been
   infringed. Having found, as I do that the restrictions imposed on the
   applicant are unlawful, it is hereby ordered that they are lifted.
   Consequently, an order for restoration of the personal liberty of the
   applicant is hereby issued," saidKaremani.

   Uganda's state prosecutors had argued that the movement of Wine's wife
   Barbara Itungo was not restricted, which the court found untrue. '¯

   The state also argued the security forces were at Wine's home for his
   own protection, a claim that Wine's supporters dismissed as a cynical
   ploy.

   The court ruled that if there is a case against Wine, he should be
   produced before the court. '¯

   Wine's lawyers led by George Musisi applauded the ruling and said they
   hoped that the state would comply.

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