Bobi Wine arrested as he tries to leave Uganda

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, is said to be in extreme pain and suffering from liver complications after his recent detention. The Kyadondo East MP has appeared weak since he was released from custody on Monday, giving credence to allegations that he was tortured while in prison.

Reports indicate that the MPs were violently detained by police, bundled into a vehicle and driven to a government hospital where they were forcefully admitted. Ssentamu’s wife, Barbara Kyagulanyi, said in a Facebook post that security forces “manhandled” her husband, who “groaned in pain” as he shouted for help.

“The Uganda police have violently blocked Bobi Wine from travelling outside of the country in spite of the court declining to do so when being released on bail earlier in the week,” Ssentamu’s lawyer, Nicholas Opiyo, said.

Ssentamu was released on bail on Monday to the relief of his wife, on what was the couple’s wedding anniversary. Together with his co-accused, known as the Arua 34, he tasted freedom for the first time in almost 14 days. News of his release sparked celebrations in Uganda and around the world. Throngs of people showed up to cheer him on as his ambulance made its way to Lubaga Hospital where he sought medical attention.

On Wednesday, several Ugandan legislators and fellow musicians visited him in hospital. Speaking to the press soon after, they decried the torture of opposition politicians in Uganda.

“Ugandans need to unite because what has happened to these MPs will happen to you next,” opposition leader Kizza Besigye said. “It’s unfortunate that the victim of a crime is the one in court, while the perpetrators are free.”

On Thursday, Ssentamu’s older brother, Eddy Yawe Ssentamu, said they were planning to go to a US hospital for further scans of his hip and organs. Those plans, however, were thwarted by what appeared to be a well-choreographed police operation.

Perceived as a threat to President Yoweri Museveni’s 32-year reign, Ssentamu has made global headlines since his incarceration earlier this month, with celebrities such as Sauti Sol, Jua Cali, Nyashinski, Holy Dave, Jose Chameleon, Irene Ntale, Chris Martin, Damon Albarn, Eddy Kenzo and Octopizzo calling for his release and fair treatment.

Update  – 02/09/18

Bobi Wine eventually travelled to the US for treatment on Saturday 1 September.

After his arrival he tweeted: “Safely arrived in the US where I’ll be receiving specialised treatment following the brutal torture at the hands of SFC [Special Forces Command] soldiers. We thank the world for standing with us. I will soon tell you what exactly happened to me since 13 August and what is next. #peoplepower”