Protests and demos have been reported across the city Kampala, following the arrest of National Unity Platform presidential candidate, Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi.
Kyagulanyi, the opposition candidate was arrested today morning in Luuka District where he was scheduled to address his supporters ahead of the general elections in January 2020. According to police, Kyagulanyi is accused of disregard of guidelines in the prevention of COVID-19 spread.
He was later driven and detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja District. Tension was also high at Nalufenya as Bobi’s supporters insisted their “president” must be released.
Protesters pelted police with stones and burnt car tyres in separate locations across the city while police responded with teargas and firing bullets. Scores have so far sustained injuries during the scuffle.
There was heavy security deployment in Kiseka Market, Katwe, Nakulabye and Kamwokya,
Protests have been also reported in Jinja, Masaka and other areas as supporters demanded his release with some heard chanting “Free Bobi Wine”
Kyagulanyi has from the start of campaigns on 9th November been attracting crowds wherever he goes with authorities claiming the practice puts lives of many at risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus.