Solomon Kampala, the son of Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, has issued a public apology following a series of emotional and highly charged social media posts he made during a late-night military raid on his family’s home in Magere.
The posts, written in real time as events unfolded, captured his fear, anger, and desperation as security forces reportedly stormed the Kyagulanyi residence.
The incident occurred late on Friday night, when soldiers and police allegedly descended on the family compound, cutting off electricity, sealing surrounding access roads, and conducting an extensive search of the property. The sudden and aggressive nature of the operation sparked panic within the household and among supporters who followed developments online.
As the raid unfolded, Solomon took to social media to express his distress in blunt and provocative language. In one message, he wrote: “Ugandans. Let’s stop being stupid. Honestly. I don’t know if my mother is alive anymore. I have nothing to lose.”
The post reflected the depth of his fear at the time, particularly over the safety of his mother, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, who was inside the home during the operation. His words quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing both sympathy and criticism.
He went on to accuse members of the public of complacency and moral failure, writing: **“Your stupid morals have put you in the position you are today.”**
In another post, his tone became even more confrontational as he lashed out at what he perceived as inaction from supporters of the opposition cause. He wrote: **“All of you who claimed to be loyal to the cause. A bunch of pussies is what you are. You say one thing and do the other…What is life if you are a slave to the system. Better to die fighting for something you believe in than to live a life in slavery.”**
At the time of the posts, reports indicated that the situation at Magere was chaotic and violent. Solomon’s mother, Barbie Itungo, was reportedly injured during the raid, along with several security guards stationed at the residence. By Saturday evening, she had been admitted to Nsambya Hospital, where she was receiving medical attention.
The raid and its aftermath prompted outrage from human rights organizations and opposition figures, who accused security forces of using excessive force, assaulting family members, and confiscating personal electronic devices during the operation. Critics described the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting opposition leaders and their families.
Following widespread reaction to his social media outburst, Solomon Kampala returned online with a lengthy apology, offering context for his earlier remarks and expressing regret over his choice of words. In the apology, he explained that his statements were made under extreme emotional distress as he feared for his mother’s life.
“Fellow Ugandans, last night when my mother was under attack by military goons, I found myself needing to sound an alarm to whoever could listen,” he wrote.
He admitted that the intensity of the moment led him to cross a line, acknowledging that his language was inappropriate and disrespectful.
“In the heat of that emotionally charged moment, I ended up using very indecent language and addressing you in a disrespectful way, which I deeply regret.”
Solomon went on to take responsibility for his actions and offered a direct apology to those he had offended.
“I realize that it was wrong and I apologize for that and I hope you all will understand that it was short lived anger and frustration,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to those who responded to his pleas for help during the crisis, adding: “I also want to appreciate all of you that responded to my distress call last night when my mother was under attack at home.”
The Magere raid continues to fuel debate and condemnation, with calls for accountability growing louder amid concerns over the safety of opposition figures and their families. As investigations and reactions continue, the incident has once again placed Uganda’s political tensions and human rights record under intense public scrutiny.
