Bobi Wine calls for mass strike against Ugandan police

Ugandan musician turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, sings on a stage in Busabala, suburb of Kampala, Uganda on November 10, 2018. He has had frequent run-ins with long-time President Yoweri Museveni's administration. PHOTO | ISAAC KASAMANI | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Bobi Wine has had frequent run-ins with long-time President Yoweri Museveni's administration.

KAMPALA

Ugandan opposition MP Bobi Wine has called for mass protests against the actions of police and other state injustices meted out on Ugandans, reports the privately-owned Observer newspaper.

"We are encouraged by the people of Algeria who in the past weeks forced a dictator to resign, and the people of Sudan who through peaceful protests forced a powerful despot to give way," the MP, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, announced from his home in Magere, about 10km northwest of the capital Kampala.

He was reportedly taken by force to Magere by police who blocked him from holding a press conference in the capital.

This comes after police prevented the singer-turned-politician from holding a planned music concert at his private club in the Busabala neighbourhood of the capital, citing security concerns.

Bobi Wine has had frequent run-ins with long-time President Yoweri Museveni's administration.

The MP's arrest and alleged torture by security forces last August lead to international condemnation, including a petition from pop stars for his release.
Bobi Wine recently announced that he will challenge Museveni in the 2021 polls.