Nairobi News

Ugandan pop star turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was on Monday charged in court and ordered to be remanded at Luzira prison in Kampala until May 2 after he was arrested yet again by state police. 

The 37-year old Kyadondo East legislator got emotional in court in Kampala and told the judge that he was ‘more than happy’ to be arraigned as he was fighting for the rights of Ugandan citizens. 

He was charged with disobedience of statutory duty, an offence prosecution says he committed in July 2018 when he led protests against a tax slapped on social media by the government.

“I am confident because indeed it is not me on trial,” Wine said.

“It is the court on trial because I have not committed any offence as my lawyer has explained I am only here because I disagree with the political leadership of this country and in particular Mr. Yoweri Museveni. I am confident because I have not stolen any public funds.”

The MP was charged alongside his brother Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, David Lule, Edward Sebufu and others still at large for disobeying lawful orders by holding an illegal protest contrary to section 116 of the country’s Penal Code Act.

Police re-arrested Bobi Wine on Monday morning after he answered to summons by the Criminal Investigations Directorate.

This latest development only provides a highlight of Wine’s increasing run-ins with Museveni’s administration.

He has been detained three times over the past year, including recently at his home and is separately battling treason-related charges.