US Lawyer Expelled Over Opposition Ties

Kampala Uganda, February 4, 2026 - Ugandan security forces have expelled US lawyer Robert Amsterdam, who represented opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine). Human rights activist Jeffrey Smith was also expelled. Both were accused of acting against Uganda’s interests and supporting groups opposed to President Yoweri Museveni.

Amsterdam’s expulsion followed comments he made on 2 February, accusing Chief of Defence Staff Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba of instilling fear among Ugandans and using his family’s wealth to consolidate power.

The lawyer had previously announced plans to seek Uganda’s suspension from the Commonwealth, citing what he called “intimidation” and “internal colonialism” by the Museveni family.

On 3 February, Jeffrey Smith also called for international sanctions against the Ugandan government, highlighting Gen Muhoozi’s recent attacks on the US Embassy in Kampala.