Uganda: Opposition figure Bobi Wine arrested and charged over unauthorized rally April 29 /update 3

Event

According to police in Naguru, the leader of Uganda's People Power Movement Bobi Wine was arrested in the district of Busabala and charged on Monday, April 29, over his alleged role in a protest held on July 11, 2018. Supporters gathered in solidarity with the opposition figure to protest his arrest and detention in Luzira maximum prison in Kampala. Officials issued a warning, stating that any further illegal demonstration will be blocked.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected near any protest. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), a Ugandan musician and current member of parliament, is a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni and a frequent 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 roadblocks 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.