Entebbe, Uganda – In a shocking turn of events, Ugandan opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) party president, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, widely known as Bobi Wine, has been arrested by soldiers at Entebbe Airport.
Reports of his detention have been confirmed by the NUP party, raising concerns about his safety and the state of democracy in Uganda.
Eyewitnesses at the airport reported a heavy military presence as Bobi Wine arrived from an international trip.
Soldiers surrounded him and swiftly apprehended him, before driving him away in an undisclosed location.
The circumstances surrounding his arrest remain unclear, leaving supporters and international observers anxious about his well-being.
President Bobi Wine was swiftly rushed away by authorities after arriving at Entebbe Airport, where he was subsequently arrested.
The Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Onyango, explained that security agencies had received credible intelligence regarding plans by political activists, especially from the National Unity Platform (NUP), to mobilize the public for an unauthorized welcome event for Bobi Wine.
The police warned of heightened security deployment along Entebbe Road and other routes leading to Bobi Wine’s residence in Magere, Wakiso District, to prevent the planned unauthorized gathering. Mr. Onyango urged the organizers to cease their mobilization efforts, and he advised the public not to participate in any illegal processions, stating that those found engaging in such activities would be taken to court.
In an effort to maintain security, roadblocks were set up at various points along the route to the airport, including Zzana, Kajjansi, Kisubi, and others, where vehicles heading to the airport were thoroughly checked. Additionally, three checkpoints were established from Kitooro to the airport, aside from the usual ones.
Mr. Onyango praised the public for not participating in the unauthorized activities, including boda boda riders, taxi operators, the business community, and young people in the ghetto.
Bobi Wine, who had been conducting international mobilization tours in Canada and South Africa, was expected to arrive in Uganda on the following morning at 10 am.
Mathias Mpuuga, the leader of the opposition in parliament, expressed concern on his social media platform, saying, “The regime has arrested our President upon arrival at Entebbe Airport. We set out to receive him today, but the security measures did not allow him to go through immigration. We are following up for his safety.”
The NUP President was taken into custody upon his arrival at Entebbe Airport, sparking controversy over his arrest for simply returning to his homeland.
