As a human being who was once carried in a mother’s womb for nine months, I have rarely felt a heavier heart than when I saw viral images of heavily armed men humiliating and assaulting an innocent civilian mother at gunpoint, at night, in her own home.
On the night of January 25, the world watched in shock as videos and images circulated showing Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi being raided and allegedly assaulted into an unconscious state by heavily armed security personnel.
The incident sparked public outrage, international media attention and reactions from foreign policy figures, including US senators.
Such injustices and atrocities not only inflict physical injuries and permanent emotional scars on victims, but also reflect a troubling disregard for human dignity and the sanctity of life.
Yet despite the horrifying assault and the apparent violation of her fundamental rights, I was struck by the response of a bruised Ms Kyagulanyi from her hospital bed at Nsambya.
“I think the intention was to break Bobi’s spirit so that he comes out of hiding, but I encourage him to stay strong. He should not come out until it is safe,” she said.
Her words were resolute.
In Uganda, it has become almost routine that after presidential elections, the main opposition challenger to President Museveni faces house arrest, criminal charges or security threats. It is within such a climate that Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, reportedly sought safety, leaving his wife Barbara Itungo at home and exposed.
Yet out of unwavering love and conviction, Barbie refused to reveal her husband’s whereabouts. Not every spouse would withstand such pressure, especially at gunpoint.
Her response led me to reflect on how love can be a driving force in the struggle for meaningful democracy and good governance.
Barbara Itungo’s unconditional love and courage in the face of intimidation evoke memories of Winnie Mandela, who endured repression alongside Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. In both cases, love appears not merely as private affection, but as moral conviction.
Love, in this context, becomes a radical force — one that sustains belief in justice, inspires endurance, and fortifies resolve. It strengthens Robert Kyagulanyi’s political mission to awaken civic consciousness and challenge Ugandans to demand accountability, fairness and democratic reform.
It is love that fuels the desire for a harmonious society — one that respects women’s rights, civil liberties and the rule of law.
Bobi Wine’s political journey itself was born from what he describes as love for the vulnerable communities he sang about in his early music career. That same concern later propelled him into Parliament in the 10th Parliament and eventually into presidential contests in 2021 and 2026.
Similarly, Barbie Kyagulanyi’s charitable work supporting orphans, vulnerable communities and teenage mothers through access to education, healthcare and shelter reflects love translated into social action.
Too often, love is reduced to intimacy and romance. Yet history shows that love has animated some of the world’s most transformative movements. It intersects with ideals of equality, humility and justice — foundations upon which meaningful democracy thrives.
Unlike violent uprisings that damage lives and infrastructure, love has historically powered nonviolent civil resistance. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela invoked love — for humanity, justice and freedom — as a moral compass in their struggles.
Without love for his country, Bobi Wine would arguably not have abandoned a lucrative music career to enter the risky arena of politics. His supporters describe the People Power movement as rooted in collective care, solidarity and shared aspiration.
Love has the capacity to galvanise collaboration and mobilise communities toward common goals.
Conversely, one might ask: if governance were guided by love, would images of security officers assaulting civilians surface? If love anchored public service, would officials embezzle funds meant for hospitals, roads and medicines? If love informed judicial systems, would justice be denied to the poor or electoral outcomes contested under clouds of mistrust?
Without love, it becomes easier to justify oppression, prejudice and injustice.
Now more than ever, it appears clear that love is not merely sentimental — it is foundational. It demands prudence, resilience, humility, honesty and courage. It requires leaders to reflect deeply on whether their governing style protects human dignity or undermines it.
I implore leaders and governments to act out of love — to deliver justice, safeguard free and fair elections, implement social uplift programmes, strengthen healthcare systems and end practices that degrade human rights.
Barbie Kyagulanyi’s ordeal, painful as it was, serves as a reminder that love can endure intimidation. It can animate resistance. And it can remain a powerful force in the pursuit of meaningful democracy and good governance.
Robert Kigongo is a sustainable development analyst and social and political commentator.