BOBI WINE ARRESTED, RIOTS ERUPT IN KAMPALA - UGANDA

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has been arrested in Luuka District, located in the Eastern part of Uganda.
He had been scheduled to address his supporters as he looks for votes ahead of the 2021 General Elections.


The singer-turned-Politician and Kyadondo East MP was arrested on this Wednesday morning following a scuffle between his supporters and security operatives at his campaign venue.


Police accused Mr Kyagulanyi of having more than 200 supporters recommended by the Electoral Commission to contain further spread of Covid-19.

He's currently detained at Nalufenya Police post in Jinja District.

Bobi Wine’s arrest comes after the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola warned presidential candidates against defying Electoral Commission guidelines in a bid to prevent further spread of Covid-19.

“Despite repeated warnings issued to candidates, their agents and wider public about the negative impact and health risks of holding unauthorized rallies and processions, we continue to witness acts of defiance and total disregard of the EC guidelines. Therefore, those who shall defy these Electoral Commission guidelines with their sinister plans aimed at disrupting the Electoral process will definitely suffer consequences,” Mr Ochola said in a statement issued on Wednesday morning.


“We have dispatched our specialist teams and quick reaction teams, to identify ring leaders (and principals) for apprehension in the face of crime. We have disseminated our comprehensive policing plan to all territorial commanders for them to implement without fear or favor,” he added.

Mr Kyagulanyi has in the past days been seen addressing crowds in disregard of Covid-19 SOPs as he seeks to unseat President Museveni of the National Resistance Movement Party (NRM) who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Almost all his previous campaign rallies have been characterised by teargas and Police interference rather than protection.

NRM supporters have also been seen holding processions in towns and cities where the veteran president who is also the party presidential candidate has been holding his campaign meetings. Arrests and teargas have interestingly been thin on them.


Pictures of musicians Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool, Catherine Kusasira and Big Eye, among others campaigning for the ruling party have been seen on social media holding processions and distributing T-shirts to crowded NRM supporters without observing SOPs. They have never been apprehended.

In response to this arrest, protests are currently rocking Kampala and several parts of the country Wednesday afternoon, some people have been reportedly shot and killed as Police attempt to break up the protests.

The social media protest is also ongoing under the hashtag #FreeBobiWine and #StopPoliceBrutalityInUganda

SEE PHOTOS OF THE PROTESTS
#BobiWine
#Trending
#CelebrityNews
#Ugandanmusic
#uganda