Ugandan court lifts opposition leader Bobi Wine’s house arrest

Mr Wine has been blocked from leaving his house since he voted in the 14 January election where he ran for president

Troops have blocked the 38-year-old pop star-turned-politician from leaving his house  (AP)

A Ugandan court has ordered security forces to cease surrounding the home of opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose house arrest since a mid-month presidential election has drawn international pressure, his lawyer said on Monday.

Troops have blocked the 38-year-old pop star-turned-politician from leaving his house in a suburb of the capital Kampala since he voted in the 14 January election where he ran against long-serving incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

"The judge ordered that the state and its agencies should immediately vacate his property and his right to personal liberty should immediately be reinstated," lawyer George Musisi told Reuters.

Mr Museveni, 76, who has been in power since 1986, was declared winner of the poll with 59 per cent of votes versus 35 per cent for Mr Wine, who had for years denounced corruption and nepotism in his songs. He rejected the result, alleging fraud which the government denies.

Mr Musisi said the judge also ruled that if there were any serious allegations against Mr Wine, he should be brought before a court or police.

Police spokesman Patrick Onyango said he had no immediate comment as the ruling had not been received.

There was no immediate reaction from the government or confirmation from the court.

US ambassador Natalie E Brown had tried to visit Mr Wine at his home, drawing an accusation of meddling and subversion from the Ugandan government. 

Reuters