Nine police officers assigned to protect Bobi Wine during his presidential campaigns have been dismissed from the Uganda Police Force, according to the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader.
The officers, who were tasked with guarding him, appeared before the Police Court and were formally “dismissed with disgrace,” Bobi Wine said.
The dismissed officers included senior members of his security detail who were on duty during his campaign period, but Bobi Wine clarified that they were withdrawn from active duty on January 15, the day of the election. Despite this, the authorities have accused them of “neglect of duty” and claim that they assisted him in escaping from his home.
Bobi Wine described these allegations as “crazy” and insisted that the officers acted professionally. He emphasized that by the time he left his home on January 16, during a military raid, the officers were no longer on duty.
He accused the government of targeting the officers to deflect embarrassment over failing to locate him for two months. According to him, the authorities are “hounding, persecuting, and punishing” civil servants simply because they chose to act within the law and perform their duties professionally.
The NUP leader highlighted that police and military institutions in Uganda have been politicized, claiming that officials are expected to carry out illegal or immoral acts to serve political interests. He said that choosing professionalism has repeatedly put civil servants at risk under the current regime.
Two of the dismissed officers, including an officer named Kigenyi, were reportedly taken back into detention at the Railway Grounds Police Station for further interrogation. Bobi Wine confirmed that they were still being questioned at the time of his statement.
The government alleges that the officers neglected their duty by allegedly aiding him to escape from his residence, though he refuted this claim, saying that they were only following orders and not responsible for events that happened after their withdrawal.
The dismissal has sparked concern among civil servants and the public, who see it as a warning about the consequences of professional conduct under a politicized system. Bobi Wine said that officers are increasingly being punished for refusing to participate in illegal activities.
Reports indicate that the military, particularly the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), is not actively pursuing him. Deputy police chief James Ocaya confirmed that the police would only leave his Magere home once he returns, contradicting claims of a massive manhunt.
Bobi Wine noted that checkpoints around Kampala have caused unnecessary fear among residents. Despite these measures, the real focus, according to him, seems to be punishing those who followed the law rather than targeting him directly.
He criticized the government for blaming security personnel for events beyond their control, calling it a strategy to divert attention from its own failures during the post-election period.
The NUP leader reiterated that his police guards were professionals committed to their work. He emphasized that they were never supposed to spy on him but simply provide protection during campaign activities.
The case highlights the tense political environment in Uganda, where security personnel are caught between performing their duties and navigating the expectations of political leaders.
Observers say this situation may affect morale within the police force, as officers could fear reprisals for carrying out their responsibilities correctly.
Human rights advocates have condemned the dismissals, arguing that it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for professional civil servants.
The dismissed officers’ families have also expressed concern over their welfare, particularly given the public nature of the accusations and the disgrace associated with their dismissal.
Bobi Wine said that the government’s actions against his guards are part of a broader pattern of targeting dissenting or independent-minded civil servants.
He reassured the public that despite these challenges, his political activities would continue, and he remains committed to advocating for transparency and professionalism in government institutions.
The police court’s decision has reignited debates about accountability, rule of law, and the politicization of security institutions in Uganda.
As investigations continue, the future of the dismissed officers remains uncertain, with possible legal challenges and appeals expected in the coming weeks.
Bobi Wine concluded by urging the government to respect the independence and professionalism of civil servants, warning that persecuting officers for doing their job could have long-term negative effects on national security and public trust.
