Uganda: Concert by opposition figure Bobi Wine April 22 (Kampala)

Event

Police have authorized a concert by prominent musician and opposition politician Bobi Wine, scheduled for Monday, April 22. The event will take place at One Love Beach Busabala, located on the outskirts of Kampala. Permission was reportedly granted after organizers and police reached an agreement on event guidelines, including a requirement that the concert remain strictly apolitical. Police have warned that authorization will be revoked and the event shut down if they find the function violates any of the agreed-upon guidelines. A heightened security presence should be anticipated surrounding Monday's concert and clashes between police and Bobi Wine supporters are possible. 

Additional concerts by Bobi Wine are reportedly scheduled in Lira on May 3, in Arua on May 4, and in Gulu on May 5.

Context

Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi), a musician and current member of parliament, is a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni and frequently a target of police action. He was arrested on August 14, 2018, and charged with treason, resulting in protests and violent clashes between his supporters and security forces. According to Wine and his lawyer, he was severely beaten while in custody. Police previously blocked a scheduled concert at One Love Beach Busabala on December 26, 2018, resulting in protests and road blocks on the highway connecting Kampala and Entebbe.

Advice

Individuals in Uganda are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any public demonstrations and political events due to the risk of violence and arrest, avoid discussing political topics in public, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.