National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has been arrested in Luuka District where he had been scheduled to address his supporters as he campaigns ahead of 2021 general election.
Bobi Wine was arrested on Wednesday morning following a scuffle between his supporters and security operatives at his campaign venue allegedly accused of covening more than 200 supporters contrary to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
Reports confirmed that Kyagulanyi is currently detained at Nalufenya Police post in Jinja District. Police also fought running battles with Bobi Wine’s supporters at Nalufenya who were protesting his arrest and demanding his release.
Bobi Wine’s arrest comes after the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola warned presidential candidate against defying Electoral guidelines in a bid to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ochola stated that those who shall defy these Electoral Commission guidelines will definitely suffer consequences.
“Despite several warmings… We continue to witness acts of defiance and total disregard of the EC guidelines. Therefore, those who shall defy these Electoral Commission guidelines with their sinister plans aimed at disrupting the Electoral process will definitely suffer consequences,” Ochola said.
According to the IGP, police and their sister security agencies have adopted a tougher approach “to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.”
“We have dispatched our specialist teams and quick reaction teams, to identify ring leaders (and principals) for apprehension in the face of crime. We have disseminated our comprehensive policing plan to all territorial commanders for them to implement without fear or favor,” he added.
Bobi Wine has of recent been seen addressing crowds in disregard of Covid-19 SOPs. Supporters of the ruling NRM however have also been seen holding processions in towns and cities in support of their candidate president Museveni.