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Uganda’s Kyadondo East MP Bobi Wine was arrested by security forces on Tuesday after successfully surrendering his nomination papers to run as a presidential candidate for his National Unity Platform party.
The charismatic singer and leader, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was pulled from his car by security forces and into a police van, according to local news outlet NBS Television.
Ugandan police said in a statement that they forcibly removed him from his car because authorities believed he had “plans to hold illegal processions” in the capital Kampala after his nomination was certified.
“Plans have been put in place to effectively target groups that decide to act illegally,” the police statement said.
Police gave a tally of three security officers and four civilians injured in clashes on Tuesday, with 49 detained for allegedly fomenting violence.
Wine said two weeks ago that his headquarters was ransacked by security forces and his candidacy documents and his supporters’ petition were reportedly taken away. His NUP party was able to request the necessary signatures in the short period of time before Tuesday’s deadline for submission of nomination papers.
The wine was finally returned home.
“The authority that I have is the same authority that you have,” he told his followers, who were waiting for his return outside his home.
“Do not give up. Those with cameras, use them. Those with lips, use them. Those with hands, use them. Those with legs, use them ”, he added.
Wine has been the focus of attention from the police and security services, who have repeatedly detained it on the grounds that it is trying to foster instability.
Another presidential candidate arrested
The leader of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change and presidential hopeful Patrick Amuriat was also arrested on Tuesday before he could deposit his presidential candidacy documents.
Amuriat was arrested, according to local newspaper The Monitor, after trying to organize a procession to the nomination center.
President Yoweri Museveni, 76, was nominated by the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, to run again for president. He has held the highest office in the country since 1986.
He warned against opponents trying to create trouble.
“There is no one to disturb here. Whoever tries will regret it. Because for us, we don’t play, “Museveni said.” The (ruling party) fought to bring peace to this country. Nobody has more weapons than us. But we don’t scare people. “
Wine, 38, is considered a serious opponent of Museveni and has gained a lot of support among Ugandan youth, as he has repeatedly called for the current president to step down. Wine also has a following among urban voters and the poor.
Although the elections are scheduled for 2021, the national electoral commission has yet to set a date.
