Is Bobi Wine’s arrest a turning point for Ugandan politics?

Popular Ugandan musician and MP Robert Kyagulanyi – known to his fans by the stage name Bobi Wine – was arrested last week along with several other opposition figures after the motorcade of President Yoweri Museveni was attacked with stones. The jailing and alleged mistreatment of the musician has sparked protests and unrest in Kampala. Online, the hashtags #FreeBobiWine and #ReleaseBobiWine are being used to bring attention to his case. Since the weekend, at least 68 protesters have been arrested.

Kyagulanyi is currently being held in a military prison on suspicion of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Through his music and political platform, he has become an outspoken critic of President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. 

 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

 

Andrew Mwenda, @AndrewMwenda

Journalist and founder of  The Independent

 

Rosebell Kagumire, @RosebellK

Journalist

 

Grace Natabaalo, @Natabaalo

Activist

 

What do you think? How will the arrest of Bobi Wine and other opposition figures impact politics in Uganda? Record a video comment or leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

Read more:

Ugandan police disperse protesters demanding lawmakers’ release – Reuters
Bobi Wine: Why the Ugandan regime is so rattled by the popular singer – African Arguments