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Uganda: 'battered' MP Bobi Wine may need treatment abroad, say allies Uganda: 'battered' MP Bobi Wine may need treatment abroad, say allies
(about 1 hour later)
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the singer turned opposition politician in Uganda arrested last week and allegedly beaten in detention, may need treatment overseas for extensive injuries, friends and supporters have said. A Ugandan pop star turned opposition politician has been so badly beaten in custody that he may need treatment overseas, his friends and supporters have said.
“If he is not well he can’t engage in political activities. He is very strong and he appeals for all his supporters to remain strong. But his health has to be the priority. The body is battered but the spirit remains strong,” said Asuman Basalirwa, a political ally and member of Kyagulanyi’s legal team. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known to fans as Bobi Wine, was arrested last week during campaigning for a byelection in the north-western town of Arua, amid signs of a broad crackdown on dissent in the east African country, which has been ruled by veteran autocrat Yoweri Museveni since 1986.
Military prosecutors withdrew weapons charges against Kyagulanyi on Thursday but he was immediately re-arrested to face charges of treason in a civilian trial. On Thursday he was charged with treason in a civilian court minutes after a military court dropped weapons charges against him.
Kyagulanyi, known to fans as Bobi Wine, could receive a lengthy prison term. His lawyers said they would apply for bail, with Monday the earliest date he could be released by. “His face looks better compared to when we saw him last week but he still can’t walk on his own and complains of pain in various body parts,” said Asuman Basalirwa, a political ally and member of Kyagulanyi’s legal team. “The need for medical attention is urgent. There are serious complications. He may have to go abroad if his health allows it.”
Kyagulanyi’s detention in the north-western town of Arua last week followed clashes during campaigning for a byelection in which the motorcade of the veteran ruler Yoweri Museveni was pelted with stones. Kyagulanyi limped during his appearance in military court and appeared to cry as he rubbed his eyes, while a colleague wrapped the national flag about his shoulders. He sat in the dock in magistrate’s court, with his lawyers saying he is unable to stand on his own.
The opposition politician’s driver was shot dead in the violence and his arrest prompted two days of anti-government demonstrations. Authorities also moved against Kiffa Kizza-Besigye, another prominent opposition leader, on Thursday, arresting him at his home. Police were deployed at the homes and offices of other opposition activists and politicians in the capital, Kampala, in an apparent attempt to ward off protests.
In recent days Uganda’s government has faced substantial international pressure to free Kyagulanyi, with western powers including the UK and the US expressing concern about his alleged beating in detention. Kyagulanyi was detained and his driver shot dead following clashes in Arua, during which Museveni’s motorcade was pelted with stones. Two days of violently suppressed anti-government demonstrations followed.
In recent days Uganda’s government has faced substantial international pressure to free Kyagulanyi, with western powers including the UK and the US expressing concern about his alleged beating.
More than 80 artists, activists and politicians signed a statement this week condemning “the arrest, imprisonment and vicious, life-threatening physical attack by Ugandan government forces” on Kyagulanyi and calling on the Ugandan government to ensure appropriate medical treatment.More than 80 artists, activists and politicians signed a statement this week condemning “the arrest, imprisonment and vicious, life-threatening physical attack by Ugandan government forces” on Kyagulanyi and calling on the Ugandan government to ensure appropriate medical treatment.
Signatories included Chris Martin, Chrissie Hynde, Brian Eno and Damon Albarn as well as African musicians such as Femi Kuti.Signatories included Chris Martin, Chrissie Hynde, Brian Eno and Damon Albarn as well as African musicians such as Femi Kuti.
Basalirwa said Kyagulanyi, who campaigns under the slogan “people power”, had recovered a little but remained very unwell. Basalirwa said Kyagulanyi, who campaigns under the slogan “people power”, had recovered a little but remained very unwell. “If he is not well he can’t engage in political activities. He is very strong and he appeals for all his supporters to remain strong. But his health has to be the priority. The body is battered but the spirit remains strong,” said Basalirwa.
“His face looks better compared to when we saw him last week but he still can’t walk on his own and complains of pain in various body parts. The need for medical attention is urgent. There are serious complications. He may have to go abroad if his health allows it,” Basalirwa said.
The veteran opposition leader Kiffa Kizza-Besigye was arrested at his home in Uganda on Thursday morning amid signs of a broader crackdown on dissent in the small east African country.
There was a heavy deployment of police at the homes and offices of known opposition activists and politicians in Kampala, the capital.
Four other opposition lawmakers arrested with Kyagulanyi face treason charges.Four other opposition lawmakers arrested with Kyagulanyi face treason charges.
The Ugandan government described the assault accusation as “rubbish”. Museveni, in power since 1986, has dismissed reports of injuries as “fake news”. The Ugandan government described the assault accusation as “rubbish” and Museveni has dismissed reports of injuries as “fake news”. In a statement late on Wednesday, he accused “unprincipled politicians” of luring youth into rioting.
Rights groups say opposition politicians, journalists and civil society organisations face systematic harassment in Uganda.Rights groups say opposition politicians, journalists and civil society organisations face systematic harassment in Uganda.
Museveni, a key US security ally, has been elected five times. The last vote in 2016 was marred by allegations of fraud. The 74-year-old leader is now able to seek re-election in 2021 because parliament passed legislation last year removing a clause in the constitution that had prevented anyone over 75 from holding the presidency.Museveni, a key US security ally, has been elected five times. The last vote in 2016 was marred by allegations of fraud. The 74-year-old leader is now able to seek re-election in 2021 because parliament passed legislation last year removing a clause in the constitution that had prevented anyone over 75 from holding the presidency.
Kyagulanyi, who was elected to parliament last year, has emerged as a powerful voice with his calls for young people to “stand up” and take over from a “failed leadership”. On his Twitter feed Kyagulanyi says he is “one Ghetto child who has something to say through music”.Kyagulanyi, who was elected to parliament last year, has emerged as a powerful voice with his calls for young people to “stand up” and take over from a “failed leadership”. On his Twitter feed Kyagulanyi says he is “one Ghetto child who has something to say through music”.
The singer has been controversial however, facing repeated accusations of homophobia.The singer has been controversial however, facing repeated accusations of homophobia.
Kyagulanyi has compared himself to France’s Emmanuel Macron and made no secret of his presidential ambitions. Many songs deal with social and political issues, calling for ordinary young people to act to improve their lives and their country.Kyagulanyi has compared himself to France’s Emmanuel Macron and made no secret of his presidential ambitions. Many songs deal with social and political issues, calling for ordinary young people to act to improve their lives and their country.
UgandaUganda
AfricaAfrica
Human rightsHuman rights
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