The United Kingdom-based lawyer specializing in political advocacy and human rights, Robert Amsterdam has written to Ugandan authorities demanding urgent protection for opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and his family, while placing the matter under close international scrutiny.
In a formal letter addressed to the competent authorities of the Republic of Uganda, Amsterdam who doubles as the founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam and Partners LLP says he is acting on behalf of Bobi Wine and his family, citing what he describes as a “real and immediate risk” to their lives, physical safety and liberty.
The letter calls on the government to take swift, verifiable steps to guarantee their security and uphold democratic norms.
Amsterdam underscores that the concerns raised are not political bargaining points but fundamental human rights issues.
He argues that electoral disputes should be resolved through lawful and transparent processes, not intimidation or pressure on political opponents and their families.
According to the letter, any security deployment around the Kyagulanyi family residence cannot credibly be described as protection if it creates fear or restricts normal life.
The lawyer also references inflammatory public statements attributed to senior military figures, calling for their immediate repudiation and stressing that government officials have a legal duty to protect civilians, regardless of political differences.
In clear terms, the letter sets out several immediate demands:
Written and binding guarantees of the life, safety and physical integrity of Bobi Wine and every member of his family.
The complete and verifiable withdrawal of all security deployments around the family residence, alongside an end to surveillance or obstruction.
Explicit assurances against retaliation, including any punitive or judicial measures linked to Bobi Wine’s political activities.
Full preservation of evidence related to deployments, orders and communications, warning that any destruction or concealment would increase personal liability.
Amsterdam emphasizes that his legal team will pursue all available national and international legal avenues to ensure protection for the family.
He adds that any harm suffered, whether by action or omission, would trigger immediate efforts to establish accountability throughout the entire chain of command.
Importantly, the letter notes that international partners, including authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, have been kept fully informed, both to support preventive protection and to establish prior knowledge of the risks involved.
Concluding on a firm but measured note, Amsterdam calls on Ugandan authorities to act decisively to de-escalate the situation.
He urges the withdrawal of security forces from the family home, the issuance of written guarantees, and an end to all forms of intimidation, warning that failure to do so could invite international legal consequences.
The intervention adds to growing international attention on Uganda’s post-election environment, while reaffirming calls for the protection of political actors, their families and the rule of law.
