Scores were left dead and dozens injured in Uganda as citizens protested the arrest of reggae star and presidential nominee, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine was arrested by police commanded by former Kampala Metropolitan police commander, CP Frank Mwesigwa. His arrest came after he had arrived at his campaign venue in Luuka District.
News regarding Bobi Wine arrest spread all over Uganda thus prompting his supporters to stage protests. Protests spread in Jinja, Iganga, Masaka, Hoima, Luweero, Mityana, Wakiso and Kampala City.
In response, police and military personnel armed to the teeth were deployed in various parts of the country. The armed forces fired teargas and live bullets that left a number of people killed and others nursing wounds.
In Uganda capital, Field Force Unit –FFU, Military and Local Defence Forces, discharged bullets in people standing on building verandas and balcony where many were instantly killed and injured.
Bodies of dead men and women were seen lying on verandas at Kampala Road, Nasser and Katwe. At least three dozens of injured people were rushed to various hospital by red cross for treatment.
Security forces acted after several warnings had been issued by Inspector General of Police, John Martins Okoth Ochola, that forces were to go tough on all presidential candidates attracting crowds.
Attracting crowds, according to Ochola, contradicts Standard Operating Procedures –SOPs like social distance which are intended to prevent the spread of novel Corona Virus Disease –Covid19.
Bobi Wine and Forum for Democratic Change –FDC candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat have been arrested by police on accusations of attracting crowds. A similar situation happened in 2016 where FDC candidate Dr Kizza Besigye was also brutally arrested.
Since Besigye will not be on the ballot in next year’s presidential elections, Bobi Wine, is now regarded as President Yoweri Museveni’s biggest challenger. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 is determined to do whatever is within his means to keep his grip on power.