The leader of Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP) has reported that his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, has been hospitalized following a violent encounter with military personnel. The incident, occurring today, Saturday, 24 January 2026, adds a terrifying new layer to the ongoing crackdown on the country’s opposition.
According to Bobi Wine, the assault took place during a confrontation with security forces, during which he alleges soldiers “choked” his wife until she required urgent medical intervention.
He also shared photos and a statement via social media, claiming that soldiers targeted his wife specifically during a heavy-handed security operation.
Barbie is reportedly receiving treatment at a private medical facility in Kampala. While her exact condition has not been fully disclosed, her legal team described the situation as “serious and distressing.”
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have not yet issued a formal rebuttal, though previous incidents of this nature have typically been dismissed by authorities as “necessary measures to maintain order.”
This incident follows a week of extreme tension in Uganda:
22 January: Reports emerge of Kizza Besigye falling gravely ill in military detention.
23 January: Bobi Wine’s attorney warns of direct death threats from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
24 Jan : Barbie Kyagulanyi is allegedly assaulted and hospitalized.
