Chaos as police arrest Bobi Wine, planned meeting disrupted

Uganda police arrest Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine. [Courtesy]

Police in Uganda have arrested Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and several other leaders affiliated to his movement.

Authorities fired teargas canisters at crowds in anticipation of protests.

The People Power Movement leader was scheduled to hold a consultative meeting at Our Lady of Good counsel church in Gayaza.

He is currently being detained at Kasangati Police station.

Police escort Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi wine from venue of the meeting. [Courtesy]

According to NTV Uganda, police have also arrested the mayor of Kasangati Town Council, Tony Kiyimba Ssempebwa, as he inquired why they had blocked the consultation meeting.

In a tweet on Saturday, Bobi wine announced to his supporters that they would begin consultations from home in Kyadondo East on Monday, and cover six districts in Northern Uganda.

The meeting was aimed at informing the electorate about his manifesto ahead of the 2021 elections.

He further added, “Having complied with all legal requirements, our hope is that security agencies will not interrupt our activities.”

Speaking to the media, Kasangati Deputy Police Commander Edson Muhangi said they arrested the legislator for not meeting certain requirements among them, adhering to required criteria of holding public meetings and not requesting for security of their participants.

The musician turned politician is not new to controversy.

Last year, Bobi Wine faced several including a house arrest after Ugandan authorities cancelled one his performances. This led to clashes between opposition supporters and baton-wielding police who fired tear gas.