Bobi Wine banned from performing at music shows

Police have stopped Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine from performing at live music concerts until investigations into his conduct at recent events are completed.

The directive has been issued by Kampala Metropolitan Police commander, Mr Frank Mwesigwa

Mr Mwesigwa was responding to a request by Balunywa Promotions Ltd, an events company, to get police security ahead of Bobi Wine’s planned show at Colline Hotel in Mukono.

“Unfortunately we are not granting permission for the show because during the previous show at One Love Beach Busabala, he uttered words that are incitful (sic) to the public and he is now under investigations,” Mr Mwesigwa’s October 19 response to Balunywa Promotions Ltd, reads in part.

Although the statement by Mr Mwesigwa that was issued on Tuesday 17 is dated October 19, it authenticity was confirmed by police.

Bobi Wine is one of the politicians opposed to the proposal to amend Article 102 (b) of the Constitution to lift the presidential age limit.

Mr Kyagulanyi said the police move is infringing on his rights as a Ugandan adding that he is would contest the order.

“They [police] have banned my shows and I cannot perform anywhere in this country. This is violating my rights and the reason they give me is because of the words I said during my show in Busabala last weekend,” Mr Kyagulanyi said.

Last month, police stopped Bobi Wine's shows in Kasese, Kamuli and Mukono districts.

On Friday last week, the singer turned politician Wine was supposed to hold a show at Dinner’s Lounge in Bukoto but police blocked it, confiscating all the music equipment.

Mr Fred Nyanzi Sentamu, Bobi Wine’s brother and political assistant said it is frustrating that someone can be stopped from doing what earns him a living.

“Bobi Wine has accumulated all the wealth he has through music. It is therefore devastating to hear that police have come out to ban his music shows. I think police would have called him and interrogated him and agreed on the best way forward,” Mr Nyanzi said.

Mr Mwesigwa’s order comes days after all police stations and units across the country, were directed by Mr Assuman Mugenyi,  the police director of operations, to ensure that the MPs strictly consult in their constituencies only.