The presidential candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Uganda’s forthcoming election, Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has been arrested and detained by the police.
Bobi Wine, a former raggae singer, was arrested ahead of his campaign rally in Luuka District, Eastern Uganda.
A scuffle ensued between Wine’s supporters and the police who accused him of having more than 200 supporters recommended by the Electoral Commission as per the order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Police under the command of Mwesigwa Frank of counter-terrorism police has violently broken into Hon Kyagulanyi’s car and arrested him at Luuka District headquarter grounds,” read a statement on Bobi Wine’s Twitter handle.
The 38-year-old is challenging the incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the upcoming Presidential election slated for January 14, 2021.
Since the start of Ugandan campaigns, Wine has had it rough, with security forces arresting his allies and supporters.
In his latest arrest, the Police accused him of violating Covid-19 safety measures on public gatherings as directed by the electoral commission.
Ugandans will vote in a general election on 14 January to elect a president and members of parliament.
Bobi Wine’s arrest comes after the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola warned presidential candidate against defying Electoral guidelines in a bid to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
“Despite repeated warnings issued to candidates, their agents and wider public about the negative impact and health risks of holding unauthorized rallies and processions, we continue to witness acts of defiance and total disregard of the EC guidelines.
“Therefore, those who shall defy these Electoral Commission guidelines with their sinister plans aimed at disrupting the Electoral process will definitely suffer consequences,” Mr Ochola said in a statement issued on Wednesday morning.