Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition leader, was arrested at Entebbe International Airport near the capital Kampala on Thursday upon his return to the country, as confirmed by his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP). The NUP stated on social media that Wine was forcefully arrested and expressed uncertainty regarding his current location.
The party has released a video showcasing multiple men forcefully seizing Wine on the airport's tarmac, while one of his accomplices incessantly shouts, "Where are you transporting him?"
CNN has contacted the Ugandan police for their statement.
Opposition frontrunner
The arrest seems to be an effort aimed at halting a scheduled gathering near the airport organized by followers of Wines, since the police had issued a precautionary advisory advising them to call off the procession.Wine, also known by his real name Robert Kyagulanyi, is a former popstar who transitioned into a politician. He emerged as the leading opposition candidate in the presidential elections held in January 2021 but unfortunately lost to President Yoweri Museveni. Despite widespread claims of fraud and intimidation, Museveni declared himself re-elected for a sixth term. Wine, however, challenged the election results by presenting evidence of fraud and intimidation.
Bobi Wine speaks to the media outside his home in Magere on January 26.
Nicholas Bamulanzeki/AP
Wine petitions Ugandan Supreme Court to nullify Museveni's reelection
On Thursday, upon Wine's return to the country, the National Unity Platform alleged that its headquarters was currently "under siege."
Moreover, Wine's party posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that military helicopters had captured footage hovering above Wine's residence in Magere, Uganda. They further stated that "security operatives have been deployed around his perimeter fence."
Wine has had numerous encounters with arrests from Ugandan security forces, especially in the period leading up to Uganda's contentious elections. In a recent interview with CNN in 2021, he expressed concerns about his safety within the country.
Zain Asher from CNN interviews Robert Kyagulanyi, a former Ugandan musician who transitioned into politics and recently ran for president in January 2021. Unfortunately, Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, did not emerge victorious, losing to President Yoweri Museveni. Despite numerous accusations of fraud and intimidation, Museveni declared his re-election for a sixth term.
CNN
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Bobi Wine expressed concern for his safety in Uganda as he announced his imminent return on social media. In a post shared in the early hours of Thursday, he referenced Psalm 23:4, stating, "Even in the face of danger, I have faith that I will be protected. I am en route back home!"
The Uganda Police Force issued a statement on Wednesday, notifying the public of a planned procession that is set to take place on Thursday. The event involves a gathering of political activists affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). In their statement, the police urged the organizers to reconsider the march in order to prevent traffic disruptions and minimize the likelihood of criminal activities, which could potentially endanger bystanders, motorists, passengers, and businesses through acts such as theft and other unlawful behavior.
"We strongly urge members of the public who may have been mobilized to avoid engaging in these unlawful activities," stated the police in their Wednesday release.
"The Security Agencies will adopt all essential actions to apprehend and present before the courts of law those individuals implicated in illicit activities."
