‘The state has lost all shame’ – Bobi Wine gives his account of Thursday chaos

Musician turned Kyadondo East Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has given his account of the events that happened on Thursday upon his return to Uganda.

The MP insists that Police wrongfully arrested him, relatives and intentionally frustrated his supporters. He has made the communication through a series of tweets he made today.

This is what he said in full:

“So after many days away, I am glad to be back home. Yesterday was as hectic as it was when I left. The state has lost all shame. It is pathetic how the security agencies have devoted themselves to violating our rights with impunity day in day out!

Upon landing at Entebbe airport yesterday afternoon, I was immediately arrested by people in police uniform and others in civilian attire. They grabbed me from the tarmac, took away my walking stick and grabbed my red beret off my head!

I was forced into a waiting police vehicle. I insisted that I did not want to get into an unknown car with complete strangers and that I had my own car waiting for me at the arrivals but my plea fell on deaf ears…

Even when I suggested that they let me get into that strange vehicle with Hon. Winnie Kiiza with whom I had travelled from Kenya, they could hear none of that. I was searched and my passport was taken from me. I still don’t know where it is!

I got sandwiched between two counter terrorism policemen in a vehicle that had other police officers waiting. I was then driven off towards the UN airbase with a string of police patrol cars & military trucks….

They drove at breakneck speed & after a long ride, we got to Kiira then headed to Gayaza road until I was eventually dropped at my home in Magere.

Once again my rights were grossly violated, but most importantly the rights of my friends, family and lawyers who endured gross harassment throughout the day. Many of them were arrested and only released later in the evening without any case against them.

Many of my fellow leaders were put under house arrest for no offence whatsoever. Simply because the state suspected that they would want to go and receive me at the airport. This is gross abuse of authority.

I’m very bothered by the gruesome pictures & videos shared. Why would security agencies dehumanize Ugandans this much? I saw people, most of whom were going about their business along Entebbe road & Kasangati town, being beaten & manhandled by security. This impunity must stop!

I hope Ugandans who watch these things now fully understand why we must urgently work towards redemption.

I was overwhelmed by the masses of people who waited for me at home in Magere. I can’t thank you enough! I am thankful to God for getting me home safe. Viva!”