Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja has dismissed claims that Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), is under house arrest at his residence in Magere, Wakiso district, saying that police officers are providing security commensurate with his former presidential candidate status.
She made the statement during a parliamentary session this afternoon, following Chief Opposition Whip John Baptist Nambeshe’s questioning of Uganda’s independence celebrations in light of alleged restrictions on individuals perceived as political threats by the State, such as Bobi Wine.
“Has independence brought freedom, especially when we talk about Robert Kyagulanyi being under house arrest? The entire area is filled with tear gas, and his home seems like a military barracks with UPDF officers and the police all over the place. Can that be considered freedom?” Nambeshe remarked.
In response, Nabbanja clarified that Bobi Wine was picked up from the airport by security operatives to prevent disruptions to businesses along the Kampala-Entebbe road.
Nabbanja stated, “Is the MP in order to mislead the country when, in reality, the President of NUP was provided with free transportation to his home and was also given free security?”
Earlier today, Bobi Wine was removed from the plane by security operatives upon landing at Entebbe Airport and quickly escorted into a waiting convoy of vehicles. He was returning to Uganda after concluding an international mobilization tour for his party in Canada and South Africa.
Speaking to the media at his home, Bobi Wine recounted his encounter with security personnel at the airport, saying, “They grabbed me from the plane and did not allow me to go through the proper immigration channels.”
Additionally, he claimed that the police have already arrested over 300 NUP supporters.