UK-based law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP, representing the NUP party leader Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has formally demanded the immediate withdrawal of military forces from around his residence and written guarantees for the safety of him and his family, warning that failure to act could trigger international legal consequences and sanctions.
In an official letter written on 26th January, 2026, the international legal team wrote to Ugandan authorities expressing grave concern over what it described as a state-sponsored campaign of retribution following Uganda’s recently contested elections.
The law firm argues that the continued military deployment around Kyagulanyi’s home, combined with recent public threats attributed to President Yoweri Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has created what they call a real and immediate danger to Kyagulanyi’s safety, freedom, and fundamental rights.
According to the letter, the firm believes the Ugandan government’s actions amount to political punishment stemming from what it described as a rigged electoral process.
The lawyers argue that the occupation of the opposition leader’s residence lacks any lawful basis and violates Uganda’s constitutional obligations as well as international human rights law.
Amsterdam & Partners outlined what it described as non-negotiable demands, calling for immediate, written, formal, and legally binding guarantees of Kyagulanyi’s life and physical safety, as well as that of his family.
The firm also demanded the complete and verifiable withdrawal of all military and security personnel from around the family residence, explicit assurances against any form of retaliation, harassment, or further intimidation, and lastly the full preservation of all evidence related to threats, deployments, and decision-making connected to the security operation.
Robert Amsterdam, the firm’s founding partner and lead counsel, warned that the consequences of inaction would be severe.
“If our client is harmed in any way, we will pursue legal action against all responsible parties; those who ordered the harm, those who carried it out, and those who failed to prevent it,” Amsterdam stated in the letter.
Amsterdam further reveals that international authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other jurisdictions have been formally notified of the situation.
He said this effectively paves the way for targeted sanctions and international legal action should the Ugandan government fail to meet the stated demands.
Legal analysts say the move significantly escalates international scrutiny of Uganda’s post-election environment and signals a deepening diplomatic and legal standoff.
Analysts note that the prospect of sanctions could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate safety concerns, potentially impacting Uganda’s international relations, development partnerships, and global standing.
