An international law firm representing Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has issued an urgent call for his protection following continued public threats made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces. The threats come in the aftermath of the country’s January 15 elections.
In a press release issued on Friday, January 23, 2026, Amsterdam & Partners LLP warned that threats made by senior government officials, when not clearly rejected by authorities, can be interpreted by security forces as approval. The firm stated that such uncertainty is dangerous and must be addressed immediately through clear public statements and firm instructions to security agencies.
The firm’s founder, Robert Amsterdam, highlighted the seriousness of the situation. He said General Kainerugaba holds command authority over military forces that have previously been accused of serious human rights violations. According to Amsterdam, statements made by someone in such a position carry the full weight of the state and increase the risk of unlawful violence. He added that under international law, the Ugandan government has a duty to protect its citizens from threats, especially when those threats come from senior state officials.
The firm also linked the current threats to Bobi Wine’s past claims of torture by security forces. Amsterdam warned that any arrest or detention of the opposition leader now presents a real and credible risk to his life. The firm said failure by the government to condemn the threats and clearly guarantee Bobi Wine’s safety would amount to a serious violation of Uganda’s international legal obligations.
Amsterdam & Partners has called on the United Nations, foreign governments, and international human rights organizations to demand immediate and verifiable assurances of Bobi Wine’s safety. The firm stressed that any harm caused to him would have consequences under international law and placed full responsibility for his security on President Museveni and his government.
