A London-based international law firm, Amsterdam & Partners LLP, has urged the Commonwealth to take urgent action against Uganda over alleged post-election human rights violations and threats against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
In a formal submission to the Commonwealth Secretariat, the firm called for Uganda to be referred to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for possible indefinite suspension from the organisation.
The dossier details developments following Uganda’s January 15, 2026 general election, including mass arrests, the use of lethal force against civilians, restrictions on communication services, and the suppression of opposition activities.
Amsterdam & Partners LLP, which specialises in human rights and political advocacy and operates from offices in London and Washington, DC, said the actions constitute breaches of Uganda’s constitution and violations of international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The firm also raised alarm over public threats made against Bobi Wine by senior military officials. Its founder and managing partner, Robert Amsterdam, said Uganda was in “open breach” of the Harare Declaration and the Commonwealth Charter.
“When senior commanders publicly threaten an opposition leader and the government fails to repudiate those threats, responsibility attaches at the highest level,” he said.
Amsterdam called on the Commonwealth to initiate immediate CMAG engagement, deploy a fact-finding mission, and impose clear consequences, including Uganda’s indefinite suspension.
“Anything less would signal tolerance of violence, impunity and the continued erosion of even the appearance of democratic governance,” he added.
The submission also documents alleged intimidation and violence against Bobi Wine’s family, including the reported occupation of his residence by armed security forces.
The law firm is demanding Uganda’s immediate referral to CMAG, public guarantees for the safety of Bobi Wine and his family, and coordinated international action — including targeted sanctions — until the country returns to compliance with Commonwealth values and the rule of law.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Bobi Wine accused the Ugandan military of assaulting his wife and occupying their home as part of an ongoing crackdown on his family.
In a statement shared on social media, the opposition leader alleged that a photograph of his wife was circulated online by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Yoweri Museveni’s son and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.
Bobi Wine described a raid on his home in which soldiers allegedly forced his wife at gunpoint to reveal phone passwords and his whereabouts, assaulted her, and tore her clothing while filming the incident.
“It was only after her blood pressure rose and she became unconscious that they left, before she was rushed to hospital,” he said.
He also claimed that their home remains under military occupation, preventing family members from accessing the property or delivering basic necessities.
Ugandan authorities have yet to publicly respond to the allegations or the submission to the Commonwealth.
