The arrest and house arrest of Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has sparked strong reactions at home and abroad. The events took place on October 5, 2023, when Bobi Wine was returning from an overseas tour. Upon his arrival at Entebbe International Airport, he was arrested by security agents and forced into a car.
This arrest was strongly criticized by Bobi Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which considers it an attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to intimidate the opposition. According to NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, the arrest is a panicked reaction by President Yoweri Museveni’s regime to Bobi Wine’s growing popularity.
The presence of a large police force at Entebbe airport testifies to the tension reigning in the country. Police had warned in advance that they would not tolerate rallies welcoming Bobi Wine, calling them “illegal.” Hundreds of the opponent’s supporters were reportedly arrested the night before his return.
Since his house arrest, Bobi Wine has said he is surrounded by security forces and is not allowed to receive visitors. He claims to be the victim of a criminal regime that is trying to silence him.
These events come against a backdrop of growing political tensions in Uganda. Bobi Wine, a former singer turned politician, has established himself as a leading figure in the opposition and represents a real threat to the regime in place. His party, the NUP, hoped to present a strong candidacy in the next elections scheduled for 2026, but authorities have already suspended a Bobi Wine tour across the country, citing public order disturbances.
Bobi Wine’s arrest sparked outrage in the international community. Several countries and human rights organizations have called for his immediate release and condemned attacks on freedom of expression in Uganda.
It is important to emphasize that this information is still under development and developments should be monitored closely. The crackdown on political opposition in Uganda raises questions about the state of democracy in the country and serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and political participation for a balanced and pluralistic society.