Uganda: Free Bobi Wine
Tell the president to drop charges against Ugandan musician and opposition politician Bobi Wine now
On 13th August, Yasin Kawuma was shot dead in the car he was driving during by-election campaigns in Uganda. Yasin was the driver of opposition party MP and musician known as Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi). Many believe Bobi Wine was the intended target.
After clashes between ruling party and opposition supporters on the 14th of August, Bobi Wine was arrested and thrown in jail. He later appeared in military court badly beaten up, barely able to recognize his lawyer, unable to speak and sit, and supported by military officers.
Despite violent attempts to silence protests, many people took to the streets to demand his release. At least one person was killed and many others were injured. After intense domestic and international pressure, he was released after the charges before the military court was dropped.
But moments later he was re-arrested and charged with treason – a charge that we consider to be fabricated. 33 other people have also been charged with treason. The pattern of police violence, mass arrests and jailing of prominent opposition politicians points to a systematic crackdown on those who challenge the authority of the President. This crackdown must end now.
Send an email to president of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and tell him to free Bobi Wine and all those arbitrarily detained now.
We need to show governments that they cannot silence the voices of people who challenge them. Take action now.