Seven people have reportedly died and over 40 others injured in a deadly clash pitting Ugandan police officers against singer and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine’s supporters over his arrest on Wednesday, November 18.
Police officers fire tear gas to disperse Bobi Wine’s supporters who had gathered to welcome him in Mayuge district.
The sad news was confirmed by the authorities in the landlocked country as reported by the Daily Nation. Wine, the Kyadondo County East constituency MP, was apprehended again on Wednesday, November 18, before he could hold a rally in Luuka district.
Police officers stormed the venue and began throwing teargas canisters at the politician’s supporters leading to a scuffle. Wine still in police custody The officers accused the musician turned politician of flouting COVID-19 regulations requiring only 200 people at a public gathering.
On Thursday, November 19, Wine confirmed he was still being held by the police and pleaded with President Yoweri Museveni to accept a level playing field. “As Gen Museveni continues his campaigns and NRM continues to hold processions, Bobi Wine is still held illegally at Nalufenya! If Museveni wants to be a sole candidate, he must state so. Otherwise, we must have a level playing field for all candidates” a tweet on his Twitter handle read
Former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye who bowed out of the 2021 race called for the musician’s release and asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to process petitions by Ugandans over alleged human rights violations.