WATCH VIDEO: Bobi Wine Arrested like a Chicken Thief
Tensions ran high as National Unity Platform (NUP) President and prominent Ugandan opposition figure, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, was arrested upon his arrival at Entebbe Airport earlier today at 10:20 am. The opposition leader's return to Uganda after an international mobilization tour for his party was met with a swift and unexpected detention by security officials.
Kyagulanyi's arrival at the airport was eagerly awaited by his supporters, who had planned a welcoming procession. However, his homecoming took a dramatic turn as he was met by security personnel on the tarmac and swiftly transferred into a waiting convoy of cars. As of now, the Ugandan police have not disclosed the official reason for his arrest, leaving many supporters and observers in a state of uncertainty.
Just a day prior to Bobi Wine's return, the Ugandan police had issued a statement indicating that his supporters would not be permitted to hold a procession to welcome him back into the country. The police had also clamped down on any signs of public support for the opposition leader, with reports of several supporters being arrested on Wednesday for attempting to place placards in preparation for Kyagulanyi's arrival.
Bobi Wine had called upon his supporters to join a march, dubbed the "1 Million March," to welcome him at the airport upon his return from his extensive diaspora mobilization tours. The arrest of the opposition leader has added fuel to the political fire that has been burning in Uganda, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections.
To confirm Bobi Wine's arrest, the Vice-President of NUP in the Buganda region and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, took to social media and posted a message expressing concern about the situation.
"The cowardly regime has arrested our President upon arrival at Entebbe Airport. We set out to receive him today, but the panicky regime security could not even allow him into immigration. We follow up for his safety. #BobiWineReturns." he wrote.
The arrest of Robert Kyagulanyi has sparked reactions from both his supporters and international observers, with calls for his immediate release. The situation at Entebbe Airport remains tense as the opposition leader's detention raises questions about political freedom and human rights in Uganda. Many will be closely watching developments in the coming days as the country grapples with this latest political development.
