A Ugandan court on Monday ordered government authorities to end the house arrest of presidential election runner-up Bobi Wine, reported Africa News.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulani, has been kept under house arrest at his home outside the capital, Kampala, Wine, since January 14, when Ugandans voted in an election in which he was declared runner up to President Yoweri Museveni. Ever since his arrest, heavily-armed security personnel has been deployed outside Wine’s house. His family including his wife, Barbie, is also not allowed to leave the compound.
The court ruled that Wine’s effective house arrest was not in accordance with the law and that if the government wants him detained it should charge him with a crime.
“The continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant to his home is unlawful and his right to liberty has been infringed,” Justice Michael Elubu said in his verdict at the court’s Civil Division in Kampala. “Having found that the restrictions are unlawful it is hereby ordered that they are lifted.”
According to election officials, President Museveni got re-elected to a sixth term, winning 58% of the vote, while Wine came second securing 35% of the vote.
Wine has rejected the voting result, alleging fraud which the Ugandan government denies. Last week, he said might not go to court to challenge the official results because of concerns a possible loss there would validate Museveni’s win. He is expected to announce a decision soon.
The long-serving incumbent President Museveni has dismissed allegations of vote-rigging and fraud. He described the election as “the most cheating-free” election since independence from Britain in 1962.
The Ugandan Electoral Commission said the vote was peaceful, but the United Nations, European Union, and several rights groups have raised concerns. The African Union mission was the only major international group to monitor the vote.
