Police have dispelled reports that National Unity Platform presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has been arrested.
This follows a message posted on Kyagulanyi’s twitter account claiming he and his team had been arrested.
“Bobi Wine and his entire campaign team arrested in Kalangala and all their media blocked” the post read.
“Please disregard false claims by NUP and other social media platforms that Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert has been arrested while on his campaign trail in Kalangala District.” Police posted on the force’s official media platform.
The Police statement said however stated that Bobi “was restrained for continuously holding massive rallies amidst the increased threats of Coronavirus, in total disregard of the Electoral commission and Ministry of Health guidelines” and he was being transferred to his home in Magere, Kampala.
By press time, Kyagulanyi indeed had been delivered to his home in Magere as indicated in the statement. However, part of his entourage including his private bodyguard Eddie Mutwe were arrested as police indicated in the statement.
“Part of his advance team, captured on CCTV cameras and several video footages, while deflating tyres of police motor vehicles , inciting violence, obstructing police officers on duty, violating the health and safety protocols and various traffic offences, have been arrested for further statement recording,”
Bobi Wine had travelled to Kalangala Islands for his electoral campaign visit to the area. Following his apprehension, a chopper was used to airlift Bobi Wine from the island.
Kyagulanyi and nine other nine opposition candidates have 15 days to canvass support ahead of the January election in which they contest against ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate and incumbent president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who has been in power since 1986.