Bobi Wine overwhelmed by massive support

Kyadondo East Mp Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine waves to his supporters upon arrival at his home in Magere, Wakiso district. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

What you need to know:

  • In Abayita Ababiri, Daily Monitor’s Paul Adude captured a video UPDF soldiers beating up curious onlookers stretched on porches on storeyed commercial buildings to catch a glimpse of returning Bobi Wine. Some people were arrested and forced into two waiting police vehicles.

The Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has come out to tell the public about what he went through while returning back home from America where he had gone to seek specialized medical treatment after the alleged torture by SFC soldiers.

Bobi Wine returned on Thursday amid heavy security that picked him from Entebbe Airport and driven on a breakneck speed to his home in Magere, Wakiso District.

“Upon landing at Entebbe airport today 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,” he explained via his social media accounts.

Bobi Wine was welcomed by masses of people who had already camped at his home waiting for him.

“I was overwhelmed by the masses of people who waited for me at our home in Magere. I can't thank you enough! I am thankful to God for getting me home safe,” part of Bobi Wine's statement reads.

Daily Monitor journalists Andrew Bagala and Alex Esagala, who were in Magere, said there was deafening noise of celebrations in the neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, there was tension around Kampala and Entebbe as police blocked and or arrested several people including journalists. Some politicians including Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago were barred from stepping out of their homes on suspicion that they would cause chaos in the city.

“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 late in the evening,” Bobi Wine said.

In Abayita Ababiri, Daily Monitor’s Paul Adude captured a video UPDF soldiers beating up curious onlookers stretched on porches on storeyed commercial buildings to catch a glimpse of returning Bobi Wine. Some people were arrested and forced into two waiting police vehicles.

“I saw people, most of whom were going about their business along Entebbe road and Kasangati town, being beaten and manhandled by some security personnel. This impunity must stop,” Bobi Wine said.

Bobi Wine's full statement

So after many days away, I am glad to be back home. The day has been 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 today 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 who I had travelled with 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. I was then driven off towards the UN airbase with a string of police patrol cars and military trucks. They drove me at breakneck speed and after a long ride, we got to Kira 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 late in the evening. 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 am very bothered by the gruesome pictures and videos which I just saw. Why would security agencies dehumanize Ugandans so much? I saw people, most of whom were going about their business along Entebbe road and Kasangati town, being beaten and manhandled by some security personnel. 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 our home in Magere. I can't thank you enough! I am thankful to God for getting me home safe. We shall get to talk more in the coming days.