Ugandan pop star and presidential candidate, Bobi Wine, whose arrest this week has triggered protests that have led to at least 37 deaths, has been released on bail after being charged with holding rallies likely to spread the coronavirus.
Authorities have deployed the military across the capital Kampala and surrounding areas to help police forces disperse protesters. The military has used live bullets, tear gas, water cannon and arrested hundreds.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was arrested on 18th November for allegedly holding mass rallies in violation of restrictions on gatherings imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus while campaigning in eastern Uganda.
In a televised court appearance after he was charged, Wine said it is “Museveni who is supposed to be in this dock for killing innocent citizens,” referring to incumbent leader President Yoweri Museveni.
Police spokesman, Fred Enanga has reported that a number of protesters involved in violence that includes targeting members of the public who do not support Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party have been detained.
“What we have seen in the last few days, that is violence, vandalism, looting, intimidation and threats, are crimes that were being committed (against) people who are not pro-NUP,” he said. “This is not something that we can tolerate.”
Police pathologist, Moses Byaruhanga added that, “thirty-seven bodies have been counted so far.”
Uganda, a nation of 42 million people, is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on January 14th, with Wine emerging as a serious threat to veteran Museveni, 76, who aims to extend his rule.
Wine has amassed a large following among Ugandan youth, attracted by his bold criticism of the government, often in his lyrics.
Wine has said that being “born hustling and born to hustling parents, raised in the ghettos” meant he could understand the struggles of ordinary, impoverished Ugandans, and he has repeatedly urged Museveni to retire.
His arrest triggered immediate protests in Kampala and other major towns across the East African country. Members of the Youth have burnt tyres and other material on roads and erected barriers to block traffic, demanding his release.
The editor of African Feminism, Kagumire intimated on the day of his arrest that the “demographic shifts are not in favour of President Museveni. Personally, I haven’t seen any other president.
“People are looking for at least a shot in the election. But the election ground is very unlevel. If President Museveni is campaigning with over 200 people, there is nothing wrong. But if an opposition figure goes with many supporters, he is arrested.”
President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 has had the constitution amended twice to allow him to run a sixth time in 2021 and is seeking another five-year term in the January polls.
