Oxfam International Executive Director and wife to Uganda’s powerful opposition leader, Winnie Byanyima has spoken out on security raid at her sister’s home that occurred on Wednesday morning.
Police besieged Edith Byanyima’s s residence in Muyenga- an upscale Kampala suburb on allegations that she was distributing materials linked to power people movement led by Kyandondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
Winnie who at first panicked took to social media platform Twitter appealing to well-wishers to find out if her sister was in the right hands.
“I’m worried. Does anyone know if Edith is safe? She isn’t answering her phone,” Winnie posted.
According to a search form, police recovered 24 pieces of red clothes.
But Kampala lord mayor Erias Lukwago who is the legal officer of Edith referred to the materials recovered by police as “napkins found on table.”
“They only recovered Twenty four ( 24) Red napkins or table cloth which they have termed as “illicit or illegal materials”.
“They are now insisting that she should record a statement in regard to a charge of being in possession of prohibited Red materials,”he said.
Later Winnie Byanyima confirmed that Edith was indeed an active participant in the People Power movement.
She wrote on her twitter page, “We understand that the Deputy IGP ordered the search. We’ve also learnt that Edith is suspected to be distributing People Power T-Shirt. I know Edith has been energised by the People Power Movement. If she is safe, she’s probably happily defiant.”
No police official including the spokesperson and his deputies were willing to comment on the matter.