Miguna sends message of solidarity to Bobi Wine
Exiled politician Miguna Miguna has extended sympathies to besieged Ugandan politician Robert Kyagulanyi who is reported to have sustained serious injuries at the hands of security operatives in a military detention.
In a move that mirrors Miguna’s situation from last November, the youthful Kyagulanyi, who is best known by the moniker Bobi Wine, has been in custody at different military camps in his homeland for close to a week.
Worse, the Ugandan musician-turned-politician was detained incommunicado for half of that period.
On Thursday, Bobi Wine was charged at a military court with being in possession of illegal firearms.
President Yoweri Museveni has also accused Bobi Wine of stoning his official vehicle during the chaotic campaign period in Arua Municipality early this week.
This is what has seemingly prompted Miguna who is in exile in Canada to send a ‘solidarity’ message through opposition leader Kiiza Besigye.
Mr. @kizzabesigye1, greetings from forced exile. The NRMKe and I stand in solidarity with all the Ugandan freedom fighters like @HEBobiwine, Francis Zaake and others facing torture and murder by Tyrant Museveni. Let’s remove the tyrants from power. Avoid pressures. Viva! https://t.co/G56ct1quPT
— Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) August 17, 2018
The United States and United Kingdom have also called for restraint and a fair trial for Bobi Wine and all persons arrested in the election skirmishes, while demanding access to medical treatment to the detainees.
We are deeply concerned by recent events in Arua, Kampala, and Gulu, and disturbed by reports of brutal treatment of Members of Parliament, journalists, and others at the hands of security forces.
— U.S. Mission Uganda (@usmissionuganda) August 17, 2018
All of those detained have the right to humane treatment, due process, access to lawyers and to their families, and a prompt, fair, and transparent trial. Those who need medical attention should be granted immediate access to a doctor of their choice.
— U.S. Mission Uganda (@usmissionuganda) August 17, 2018
We urge the Government to show the world that Uganda respects its constitution and the human rights of all of its citizens.
— U.S. Mission Uganda (@usmissionuganda) August 17, 2018
We urge the Government to show the world that Uganda respects its constitution and the human rights of all of its citizens.
— U.S. Mission Uganda (@usmissionuganda) August 17, 2018
The European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and UK, and the Heads of Mission of Norway and Iceland issue the following statement in Uganda on the Arua Municipality by-election. pic.twitter.com/yJ82lTwBFs
— EU in Uganda (@EUinUG) August 17, 2018
Bobi Wine, who is the Kyadondo East MP, was produced before his family, a team of Human Rights Commission officials and two of his lawyers at Makindye barracks in Kampala on Thursday.
“He is in a very bad shape, the situation is dire and worrying. I managed to see him. They said they could only allow two lawyers and family members hence I was there with his wife Barbie and brother Eddie Yawe,” lawyer Erias Lukwago explained.
“We were taken to a particular room and he was carried in by soldiers. He was in tears, he could not talk or stand, his face was swollen and he tried to explain to us with a lot of difficulty.”
The country has meanwhile witnessed pockets for protests and chaotic scenes in Kampala from mostly youth, who are demanding for Bobi Wine’s release.