National Unity platform (NUP) president Robert Ssentamu Kyagulamyi has appealed to foreign governments to ensure safety and protection of political dissidents as well as Ugandan exiles living in those countries.
Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine made the remarks in response to reports showing that a reknown government critic and “toxic” blogger, Fred Lumbuye, had been arrested and awaiting deportation from Turkey where he has been living.
Lumbuye, a NUP supporter, is among other cases wanted for using social media to spread lies including announcing the Head of State -president Yoweri Museveni dead.
In a message posted on social media, Bobi Wine says political exiles ought to feel safe in foreign countries and their rights protected.
“The governments of the world out to protect rights of political dissidents and exiles who have sought refuge in their countries. Ugandans abroad ought to feel safe” @HEbobiWine on the arrest of Fred Lumbuye, a Ugandan political activist from Turkey.#FreeLumbuye – NUP posted on Wednesday.
Lumbuye’s arrest has attracted mixed reactions from the public with others especially the ruling NRM government supporters saying it was long overdue while some from the opposition expressed sympathy for the man who made a name among social media enthausiasts.
Authorities in Uganda are yet to confirm Lumbuye’s arrest but stated that he will have to answer for his actions if indeed he has been arrested.
It was also reported that Lumbuye’s arrest could have been possible with the help of Interpol.