Presidential aspirant and Kyadondo East Member of Parliament (MP) Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert has today morning been arrested at his campaign venue in Luuka District following a scuffle between his supporters and security.
Police accused Kyagulanyi of having more than 200 supporters at his rally which was in violation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as set by the Electoral Commission (EC) to contain the further spread of COVID-19.
“Police under the command of Mwesigwa Frank of counter terrorism police has violently broken into Hon Kyagulanyi’s car and arrested him at Luuka District headquarter grounds,” a tweet through Bobi Wine’s official page read.
Bobi Wine was arrested before he could start his campaign meeting in Luuka. He was scheduled to hold campaigns today in Busoga region including Luuka, Buyende and Kamuli districts.
It is unclear if these campaigns shall continue to take place since the NUP candidate has been arrested.
His arrest was streamed live via the NUP Facebook page by supporters of Bobi Wine.
In a statement from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Okoth Ochora, police on Wednesday dispatched specialists and quick reaction teams to identify ring leaders and principal violators of COVID-19 guidelines for apprehension in the face of crime.
“We have disseminated our comprehensive policing plan to all territorial commanders for them to implement without fear or favor,” Ochora said in a statement.
According to the NUP team via Bobi Wine’s twitter page, the security officer’s motorcade whisked Kyagulanyi away to the famous Nalufenya detainment centre in Jinja City, which according to Uganda Police was closed in 2018. Nalufenya detainment center is infamously known for state toture.
Supporters of Bobi Wine demanded information about where he is being detained and his release. Mass gatherings and protests have started in downtown Kisekka market demanding for the release of the NUP presidential candidate. A hashtag (#FreeBobiWine) is currently trending on twitter.
More details to follow as we await an official statement from police.
