The United States (US) has raised concerns over the reported arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, upon his return to Uganda on Thursday.
In the early hours of Thursday, Kyagulanyi was swiftly taken into custody after disembarking from a Rwanda Air plane. The opposition leader had just returned from mobilization tours in Canada and South Africa and was immediately driven to his residence in Magere, located in the Wakiso district.
Several journalists and supporters of the NUP leader were also reportedly detained. In a statement released on Thursday, the US Embassy in Uganda strongly criticized the alleged detention of Kyagulanyi and his supporters.
"The US is closely monitoring the troubling reports of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi being taken into custody at Entebbe today and subsequently detained at his home. There are also reports indicating that opposition supporters have been detained." the statement read.
The US called on the Ugandan government to uphold the freedom of assembly and allow political parties to function without hindrance. The Ugandan police, however, refuted claims of arresting Kyagulanyi, asserting that security personnel had merely provided a "safe" escort to his home in Magere.
Kyagulanyi, on the other hand, asserted that he was being held "illegally" under siege by security forces at his residence.
"They picked me up illegally, as you witnessed, and at this moment, I am under house arrest. There are soldiers and police all over my place." he stated while Speaking to journalists,
The situation surrounding Bobi Wine's return to Uganda has raised concerns both domestically and internationally, with calls for transparency and adherence to democratic principles. The US Embassy's statement underscores the importance of respecting political freedoms and allowing for the free operation of political parties in Uganda.
