Al Jazeera reports the release of Bobi Wine who has been freed on bail while the protests following his arrest have left at least 37 people dead. He has been accused of “acts likely to spread an infectious disease” and “breaches of the COVID-19 rules”.
“Uganda’s presidential candidate Bobi Wine has been released on bail, local media reported, as police said the death toll in clashes triggered by his arrest earlier this week hit 37.
Wine, who was charged with actions likely to spread the novel coronavirus, is expected to appear back in court on December 18, the Daily Monitor reported on Friday.
The 38-year-old pop star and politician, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was arrested on Wednesday while campaigning in eastern Uganda for the January 14 general elections.
He was charged with holding mass rallies in violation of restrictions on gatherings imposed by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier on Friday, authorities deployed the military across the capital Kampala and surrounding areas to help the police disperse protesters. The security forces have arrested hundreds, and used live bullets, tear gas and water cannon in efforts to quell the unrest.
“Thirty-seven bodies have been counted so far,” police pathologist Moses Byaruhanga told the Reuters news agency.”