Journalist Charles Onyango Obbo has condemned the recent military raid on opposition leader Bobi Wine’s home, which left his wife, Barbara Itungo, and household staff assaulted.
Onyango Obbo described the attack as a violation of the principles once promised by President Yoweri Museveni.
On X, Onyango Obbo recalled Museveni’s words from January 29, 1986, at the steps of Parliament in Kampala.
“In Uganda, we have had a system where if a man is an opponent, his wife is an enemy, his children are enemies, and his cattle are enemies. This is PRIMITIVE AND COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARY. Guilt is individual. If a man has committed an offence, he will be tried in the courts of law. His wife, his children, or his relatives should not be punished for his crime.”
The journalist argued that the recent assault clearly contradicts these principles, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to the rule of law and protection of human rights.
Targeting family members of political figures, he said, is a form of intimidation that undermines democracy.
Opposition leaders and human rights activists have also condemned the raid, demanding accountability and an immediate investigation.
Bobi Wine, a former presidential candidate and vocal critic of the government, has faced repeated harassment, which critics describe as part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent in Uganda.
Onyango Obbo’s statement is a reminder of Uganda’s founding promises of justice and fairness, highlighting the urgent need for the state to respect the law and protect citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
The attack on Itungo has intensified calls from local and international observers for a transparent inquiry into the military’s conduct and stronger safeguards for the families of political leaders.