Uganda Police Force (UPF) have dismissed reports indicating that Bobi Wine had been arrested upon landing at the Entebbe International Airport.
In a statement on Thursday, October 5, UPF said Bobi Wine was escorted by police officers from the airport to his home in Magere.
“We wish to inform the public that the NUP President, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was successfully escorted by our security team from Entebbe to his home in Magere.
He reached his home around 11.20am and is with his family and friends. Disregard rumors of his arrest by propagandists,” read the statement in part.
Meanwhile, UPF stated that business activities and movements along Entebbe Road, within Kampala and Gayaza, are flowing smoothly.
Bobi Wine Speaks on Arrest Allegations
National Unity Platform (NUP) party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssenatamu popularly known as Bobi Wine on Thursday revealed that police officers have surrounded his home.
Taking to X account, the politician stated that police were using teargas canisters and shooting live bullets to block people from entering his home.
“Our home is still surrounded by the police and military. They have blocked most of our people from entering to greet us.
Earlier, they were firing teargas and live bullets to disperse them. I am effectively under house arrest. A criminal regime in panic,” said Bobi Wine.
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Bobi Wine Airport Drama
Moreover, all these statements came after a video posted on X, showed two men grabbing Bobi Wine by the arms immediately he stepped out of the plane at Entebbe International Airport.
This was followed by a post by NUP party General Secretary David Lewis Rubongoya who confirmed that the opposition leader had been arrested upon arriving from his international tour.
“Our President Hon Bobi Wine picked up by regime operatives as soon as he landed at the airport. They are so afraid of people because they know people don’t like them,” said Lewis on X.
Police at NUP Offices
In a previous tweet, Lewis posted photos of police officers deployed to guard the NUP offices in Kamwokya.
“Situation at the NUP office gate, Kamwokya. They fear what they don’t know,” said Lewis with photos of the police attached.
“The NUP head office, Kamwokya has been cordoned off by the military. People are not allowed to enter or leave! The levels of fear are incredible,” he said in another tweet.
According to reports by NTV Uganda, several NUP supporters who had planned to accompany their party leader were arrested.
“Multiple NUP supporters have been detained in Entebbe for mobilizing people to participate in the 1 million-strong march to welcome Party President Robert “Bobi Wine” Kyagulanyi back from his diaspora mobilization tour. Arrests made in Abaita Ababiri, Katabi Town Council,” said NTV Uganda.
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UPF Reply
However, Kampala Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango said such gatherings were illegal and could disrupt the normal flow of traffic.
In addition, Onyango explained that the masses could interfere with the movement of individuals and operations of businesses along Entebbe-Gayaza highway.
In September, UPF announced intentions to ban NUP rallies across the country.
About Bobi Wine
Bobi Wine is Uganda’s opposition leader and top critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
He unsuccessfully vied for the presidency in 2021 against President Museveni who has served for 37 years.
Since coming into the political limelight, Bobi Wine has faced numerous arrests.