Bobi Wine arrested, again, over 2018 protest

Outspoken Ugandan musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine was on Monday arrested and detained for three days over his role in the street protests last year against the controversial social media tax.

According to one of his lawyers, Bobi Wine was arrested after honoring a sermon to appear before the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters in Kibuli.

“Bobi Wine has been brought to Naggalama (police station), and put in a cell. They removed his shoes and money he had was given to me, we are waiting to see what will follow,” the lawyer, Asuman Basalirwa, told the Ugandan press.

Confirming the arrest, police spokesman Fred Enanga said the Kyaddondo East Member of Parliament led a protest in July 2018 without following due protocol by acquiring police authorization.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyaggulanyi, was placed under house arrest from Tuesday to Saturday last week after police shut down his planned Easter concert.

During the period, the legislator took to social media to inform his fans that he used the time to record a new song titled ‘Afande’ (slang for police officer) in which he tells the men in blue “I am not fighting you, I am fighting for you.”

Bobi Wine has arguably emerged as one of the foremost critics of the 32-year-rule of President Yoweri Museveni whom he recently put on notice following the ouster of Sudan President Omar al-Bashir.