Uganda: Police arrest opposition figure Bobi Wine in Gayaza January 6

Event

Police arrested musician and opposition MP Robert Kyagulanyi (also known as Bobi Wine) on Monday, January 6, preventing him from holding a public meeting in Gayaza (Central region) about the 2021 presidential elections for which he is a candidate. Related gatherings to protest his arrest and detention are likely in the coming hours and days.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected near any protest. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), a Ugandan musician and current member of parliament, is a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni and a frequent target of police action.

Advice

Individuals in Uganda are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any public demonstrations and political events due to the risk of violence and arrest, avoid discussing political topics in public, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.