Pascal Arogorn Ibe
Uganda’ s High Court on Monday ordered security forces to end their confinement of presidential election runner -up Bobi Wine .
Wine , whose real name is Robert Kyagulani , has been under de- facto house arrest at his home outside the capital , Kampala, since he returned from voting on January 14.
Heavily armed soldiers and police officers surrounding the property have blocked members of Wine ’ s household , including his wife , Barbie, from leaving their compound .
Last week the US ambassador to Uganda was also blocked from visiting the popstar-turned-politician , who won 35 percent of the vote according to official figures .
Sitting at the court ’ s Civil Division in Kampala, Justice Michael Elubu ruled in favour of a petition lodged by Wine ’ s lawyers asking for his release.
“ The continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant to his home is unlawful and his right to liberty has been infringed , ” Elubu said .
“ Having found that the restrictions are unlawful it is hereby ordered that they are lifted. ”
The Ugandan government had argued that the restrictions on Wine ’ s movements were “ preventative ” measures for his own protection and to prevent protests against the election result, which Wine claims was rigged in favour of President Yoweri Museveni .
Security forces are yet to vacate the area around Wine ’ s home according to Abdu Hakim, an aide to Wine .
Ugandan security forces have in the past disregarded court orders to release individuals or have immediately re – arrested people freed by the courts .
( AFP)
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