Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, is a prominent Reggae musician in Uganda. Since 2017, he has served as a member of parliament for Kyadondo East constituency, which is in central Uganda.
He is among the aspiring new generation leaders who are hoping to overthrow long term leaders. In a tweet, he wrote, “We now enter the most critical phase of our liberation struggle.” This was after he had confirmed he was a viable contestant for next year’s presidential elections in Uganda.
Day of Arrest of Bobi Wine
On Tuesday, however, heavily armed police officers blocked his vehicle as he was departing from Kyambogo University. With the help of a crowbar, the officers smashed his glass windows and grabbed him into a police van. His arrest was quite anticipated. Wine who is hoping to overthrow the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni narrates his encounter with the police as violent.
He says at the time of his arrest; the officers clashed with his violent supporters. It was then that they sprayed pepper spray on his eyes, leaving him blindsided. Robert Kyagulanyi told the media that the military and the police were responsible for crashing his car window. Since the incident, the 38-year-old complained of sight issues. He says that since the government has started the war, then war will continue.
Accusations
Often, Ugandan authorities allege that Wine incites rallies that could disrupt order in the country. However, the controversial singer and politician deny the claims. In response to his latest arrest, an officer reported that they were trying to prevent the singer from conducting illegal precession.
“He was forcefully removed from his vehicle, and a fracas ensued in the process of transferring him to the police vehicle. He was eventually safely delivered to his home in Magere [a neighborhood of Kampala],” the spokesperson said.
Nonetheless, commentators argue that since 1986, the current President has been using government forces to execute his authority. Mr. Yoweri, who is currently seeking another presidential term cautioned the public that his government would not spare any individual threatening to disrupt national security.
The 76-year-old warned that they were looking out for anyone planning to disrupt the election process. He stated the crooks won’t intimidate anybody and incase they attempt chaos, they would live to regret. He said that as the ruling party; they have struggled to bring peace in Uganda. Hence he is contesting for another term. However, the electoral commission has not yet announced the official election date.
Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who is also a presidential candidate, is also a victim of police harassment. He says the officers also detained him and surrounded his party headquarters.
“It is disgusting, disappointing, but this was expected by a regime that is shameless, desperate to cling to power,”
Amuriat told AFP after being marched by police across the university campus in his socks, his suit askew. Just like other opposition leaders, Wine has faced surging police harassment. His rallies disrupted, concerts banned, and frequently detained.
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