In a move that has ignited widespread controversy, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has posted a photo on X showing the wife of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in what he described as a “capture” scenario.

The image, shared late on Thursday January 29, 2026, depicts Barbara “Barbie” Itungo Kyagulanyi seated on the floor in a residential setting, with an armed military officer standing nearby.

Muhoozi captioned the post: “This is when our soldiers captured and then released Kabobi’s wife Barbie. She was very helpful in helping us find her husband.” Muhoozi frequently refers to Bobi Wine derogatorily as “Kabobi.”

The photo relates to a military raid on the Kyagulanyi family home in Magere, Wakiso District, on the night of January 23, 2026.

Bobi Wine, who remains in hiding after rejecting the official results of the January 15, 2026, general elections (which declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner), alleged that soldiers broke into the residence, assaulted family members and staff, held his wife at gunpoint, choked her, partially undressed her, and seized documents, electronics, and other items.

Barbie Kyagulanyi was hospitalized following the incident, reportedly recovering from trauma and physical injuries. In follow-up posts, Muhoozi denied any assault on women, stating: “My soldiers did not beat up Barbie… We do not beat up women.

They are not worth our time. We are looking for her cowardly husband not her.” He escalated the rhetoric by claiming the military was hunting Bobi Wine “Dead or Alive” and mocking the opposition leader further.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition supporters, human rights advocates, and regional observers.

Bobi Wine has accused the regime of ongoing persecution, including military encirclement of his home and threats against his life.

This episode fits into a pattern of provocative social media activity by the general, who is President Museveni’s son and widely seen as a potential successor.

The posts have intensified debates over the militarization of politics in Uganda, the safety of opposition figures’ families, and the role of the military in civilian affairs following the disputed polls.