Uganda’s reggae star turned Opposition big wig, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi commonly known by his moniker Bobi Wine has asked Ugandan government to back off his allegedly bullet proof car.
Wine who contested against Uganda’s 35 years’ ruler, President Yoweri Museveni, revealed that his monster rider had been purchased for him by local and international well-wishers. Wine said his fans assessed the security threats geared towards his life and decided to buy him a vehicle that cannot be penetrated by ammunitions.
Although it is not confirmed whether the car is indeed bullet proofed, Ugandan government has since been thrown into panic as explanations are demanded by top executive on how Wine acquired the car without security knowledge.
The government through the taxi body Uganda Revenue Authority –URA wrote to Wine on February 24 recalling the car in order to conduct fresh inspection. URA wants to confirm whether the car is indeed bullet proofed since it was cleared at the Uganda-Kenya order in November last year in the name of Kenyan national.
Wine through his lawyer, Anthony Wameli, has today responded to URA describing their attempt to recall the Land Cruiser V8 Reg No UBJ 667F as unlawful. Wameli noted that much as URA has powers under section 236 d of EAC customs management Act to examine goods, the body does not have automatic powers to re-examine goods which are not in its custody.
“Your decision to recall our client’s motor vehicle is not only arbitrary and without legal basis but it is also a threat to our client’s right to property and privacy. This is therefore to demand that you immediately withdraw your decision to recall our client’s vehicle as long as such decisions is arbitrary and unsupported by any law,” Wine responded through his lawyer.
During the chaotic campaigns that started in November last year, military and police shot at Wine’s car more than five times. Teargas grenades were thrown at him and his rear glasses were severally smashed.
Museveni was declared winner of the presidential elections held on January 14. Museveni scored 58 percent while Wine scored 35 percent. The elections attracted nine other candidates who have since disputed the results save for Willy Mayambala.