The High Court in Kampala on Monday directed the Police and Military to vacate Kyagulanyi’s home on account that they do not have any serious reason to justify their stay there.
Following the just concluded presidential elections, the police have since sieged off the home of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform party president.
With fears that Kyagulanyi who has already expressed his disappointment towards the election outcomes might entice his supporters into protests, the police have for weeks now been on a close watch and not allowing him or his wife to move out of his home.
However, the High Court in Kampala on Monday directed security operatives to vacate Kyagulanyi’s home on account that they do not have any serious reason to justify their stay there.
Michael Elubu, the High Court judge ruled that the continued confinement of Kyagulanyi and his wife Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi is a violation of their rights and unlawful.
“The continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant (Kyagulanyi) in his home is unlawful and in the result his personal liberty has been infringed,” the Elubu stressed.
Also, he also rubbished claims from the police that Kyagulanyi was ready to mobilize people power groups to stage a so-called plan B strike. Judge Elubu noted that these are just allegations against the applicant but they are not based on evidence.
“These are all serious allegations of grave offences and it would be proper to follow the due process of the law in regards all the allegations made against the applicant. The due process has been defined as conducting criminal proceedings against the applicant,” the Judge ruled further.
“The restrictions put on the applicant are unlawful and order that they are lifted. Consequently and order for personal liberty of the applicant is hereby issued.”
Police Responds to a court ruling
Speaking about the ruling, Fred Enanga the police spokesperson said that they are yet to receive their copy of the court statement but promised that they will comply and not challenge the ruling.
Enanga said that the security forces will vacate the applicant’s home premises however, they will remain on a close watch on him to ensure he does not defy any laws including the COVID-19 measures.
“Although we have not obtained a copy of the ruling, as a law-abiding institution and one that upholds the law, we are going to abide by the ruling. The security detail will vacate the home of Hon.Kyagulanyi,” Enanga said.
“We shall maintain surveillance to ensure he doesn’t break the law. We have to ensure security is maintained since it is our prerogative to ensure we detect and prevent crime”.
