Uganda’s Bobi Wine Charged

Presidential aspirant and opposition MP Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as musician Bobi Wine, has been charged in relation to an August 2018 incident in which he and his supporters are accused of throwing stones at the presidential motorcade.

The incident took place just ahead of a by-election in Arua, which the opposition won. Kyagulanyi denies the charges. He disappeared shortly following the incident, with alarm sparked when the dead body of his driver was found. A few days later the authorities confirmed Wine was in detention. When he was subsequently released, barely able to stand and claiming to have been tortured he flew to the U.S. for medical treatment. Since returning to the country he has announced his intention to challenge President Musevni in the 2021 elections.

The charges include that Kyagulanyi and his co-accused showed “intent to alarm, annoy or ridicule” President Museveni, who had also been campaigning in the area, and that he incited violence. He also faces treason charges relating to the incident. 

Kyagulanyi faces additional charges for his involvement in a protest against the social media tax introduced recently, has been placed under house arrest on several occasions and had many of his planned concerts and public appearances cancelled by the police.

The charges against Wine come following the news that Ugandan musician Ziggy Wine, aka Michael Kalinda, has died. It is alleged that he was abducted and tortured by state agents before being dumped at a local hospital. Commenting on the news on Twitter Bobi Wine stated, “Our friend Ziggy Wine could not make it. He passed on last night- succumbing to injuries sustained after a horrendous encounter with kidnap & torture.

“Very painful! He joins other countless Ugandans. As we mourn him, we resolve to work even harder to end this. Rest well brother.”