FAQ

Frequently asked questions on the Bobi Wine case.

The politically motivated persecution of Bobi Wine

Why was Bobi Wine arrested?

On the morning of 14 August 2018, Bobi was arrested, initially, on charges of obstructing a motorcade, with the arrest taking place the morning following the murder of his driver. This charge was later upgraded to alleged charges of unlawful possession of a firearm (though no evidence of this firearm was ever found), and Bobi was unusually placed in military custody. The first time that Bobi was seen after his initial arrest, it was clear that he had been beaten and tortured during his detention.

These fabricated charges, which would have had to be heard at a military court, were later dropped – however, Bobi was immediately re-arrested on charges of treason, which is punishable by death in Uganda.

On 27 August, Bobi was released on bail, but he still faces treason charges, and we must continue to apply pressure on the Ugandan government so that we can fight these charges and safely secure Bobi’s release.

Who else was arrested?

In addition to Bobi Wine, 32 other opposition politicians were arrested on charges of treason; they have come to be known as the ‘Arua 33’ due to the fact they were all campaigning together in the town of Arua prior to their arrest. They appeared in court on 30 August and are awaiting trials.

How can I support Bobi Wine?

If you want to help fund Bobi’s campaign for justice and access to legal and medical aid, you can contribute at the CrowdJustice fundraising page set up by Bobi’s family and friends. Any amount, no matter how small will help hold the Ugandan government to account and secure justice and safety for Bobi Wine!

What is CrowdJustice?

CrowdJustice is a crowdfunding platform that enables individuals, groups and communities to raise money to fund legal action around the world. The platform provides a secure way for individuals to contribute to causes close to their hearts.

How much money is the fundraising campaign aiming to raise, and why?

Bobi’s family and friends need to raise enough money to cover the legal fees and medical care that are required to ensure that his abusers are brought to justice and that his health is restored.

They also seek to keep the pressure on the Ugandan government and your support will allow Bobi’s legal team to lobby the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to intervene to help Bobi and ensure that the Ugandan government is held accountable for its actions on the global stage.

Who is the international legal team working to free Bobi?

Amsterdam & Partners LLP, a leading international law firm, are representing Bobi and helping to coordinate the international efforts to ensure his security and that his abusers are brought to justice. Robert Amsterdam is leading the A&P team and is assisted by Simon Wolfe, as well as a number of Ugandan qualified lawyers.

Bobi’s life

Where was Bobi brought up?

Bobi Wine was brought up in the slums of Kamwokya in northeast Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Why did Bobi enter into politics?

Growing up and living in one of Uganda’s poorest slums, Bobi personally witnessed the daily injustices faced by the poor. As a young boy, he witnessed his government’s brutality first-hand when he saw a soldier murder a school child for beating him in a game of pool. It was injustices like this that inspired Bobi to use his hard-earned fame and influence to fight for political justice in his home country, and to later run for parliament.

Why is Bobi called the “Ghetto President”?

Bobi’s nickname, the “Ghetto President”, refers to his upbringing in one of the poorest slums of Kamwokya in Kampala, as well as to his position as the voice of Uganda’s youth – more than 75% of the Ugandan population is under 30.

What issues does Bobi address through his music?

Bobi’s music paints a picture of the daily struggles and plight of the common person in Uganda, especially those from low socio-economic backgrounds living in the ghettos. In his songs Obululu Tebutwawula and Dembe, for example, he condemns election violence, but also encourages Ugandans to participate in elections through voting.

What does “edutainment” mean?

Bobi often uses the coined phrase, “edutainment”, to describe his music – entertainment that educates. He uses his music to address pertinent social issues; issues which deeply resonate with Uganda’s young population.

What is Bobi’s slogan?

Bobi’s campaigns under the slogan “People Power”, as he seeks to provide a new, more representative leadership, “to the people, by the people and for the people”.

What is the meaning of the red hat Bobi is often seen wearing?

The red hat that Bobi and his supporters are often seen wearing is symbolic of his slogan of “People Power”.