Uganda: Opposition figure Bobi Wine released on bail May 2 /update 5

Event

Opposition figure Bobi Wine was released on bail by the Buganda Road court on Thursday, May 2, after spending three nights at Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala. Wine faces charges related to his alleged involvement in a protest held in July 2018 against a tax on social media. He is also battling treason charges over allegations that he stoned a car in a presidential convoy in August 2018.

Heightened tensions between Bobi Wine supporters and police are likely over the coming weeks. Related violence 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 developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.