Drama as Bobi Wine is arrested by heavily armed police officers – VIDEO
Ugandan opposition politician and pop star Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has been arrested by the police and whisked to an unknown destination.
Bobi Wine’s arrest was announced on Monday on his official Twitter handle, in a dramatic incident whose videos and photos have since gone viral on social media.
“Police and the military blocked us from reaching Busabala for our press conference about police brutality, injustice, and abuse of authority. A citizen cannot be allowed to access his private property. People teargassed, beaten, Many arrested. We shall overcome. #EnoughIsEnough” read part of the tweet.
One of the videos shows heavily armed police officers trying to break open the passenger seat window of the vehicle in which Bobi Wine is seen seated, as another occupant seated next to him records the unfolding drama using a cellphone.
Yet another video shows the armed officers forming a cordon around the legislator whom they appear to be hurriedly whisking away.
See this impunity pic.twitter.com/GX2VJaOk1P
— Ssenkaayi Edward Jr (@SsenkaayiJ) April 22, 2019
SAFETY
The arrest marks a culmination of a stand-off between Bobi Wine, his supporters and the authorities who had cancelled a series of his music concert over the Easter holiday.
The police in a statement said the concert organisers failed to meet public safety and security standards.
The concert was scheduled to take place at the One Love Beach in Busabala on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said in the notice that the police would make safety a top priority at all major music events and venues.
VIDEO: @PoliceUg breaking into Bobi Wine’s car and arresting him
? @NinyeTabz pic.twitter.com/mMOoTGQmC8
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) April 22, 2019
“We want to inform members of the public that despite the elaborate and clear guidelines with the promoters, regarding their preparations, manner, and conduct during the concert, as well as the safety and security demands from their side, our intelligence picked up information that the event was still a risk to public safety,” the letter reads in part.
COMMOTION
After Bobi Wine’s procession was blocked from accessing the venue of the event, his supporters clashed with police.
Makindye West lawmaker Allan Ssewanyana reportedly fainted during the commotion was was carried by his supporters to a waiting car.
Daily Monitor also reported that one Andrew Mukasa, who was the event’s organizer, had also been arrested.
The development comes a day after President Yoweri Museveni warned that he will not tolerate music shows that are laced with politics.
Additional reporting by Nahashon Musungu