News of Bobi Wine’s recent violent arrest at the hands of Ugandan security forces while en route to a scheduled concert in Kampala, the capital, once-again shook the East African nation to its core. The story consumed traditional and social media in the region as the outspoken opposition parliamentarian was placed on indefinite house arrest only 24 hours after being unlawfully detained.
This time, some global leaders are beginning to speak out against Uganda’s deteriorating political climate under President Yoweri Musevni. Most recently, US Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA), the Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement:
Rep. Bass Statement On Detainment of Bobi Wine
April 24, 2019Press ReleaseWASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement responding to the detainment of music star and Ugandan MP Bobi Wine.“It is troubling that a Member of Parliament would be detained for exercising his right to freedom of speech and assembly while protesting peacefully in Uganda. Mr. Wine has captured the voice of young people in Uganda and should not be detained because of his political or social beliefs. It is unacceptable to assault, harass, or teargas any citizen because of their views. I encourage the government of Uganda to adhere to the rule of law and treat all its citizens justly regardless of political affiliations.”