Uganda's pop-star politician re-arrested at airport

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Ugandan police detained two lawmakers Robert Kyagulanyi and Francis Zaake, one of whom is also a pop star known by his stage moniker Bobi Wine, at the country's sole international airport, where supporters say they were trying to seek treatment abroad for injuries suffered while being tortured by the security forces.

Allegations that the two were tortured have triggered widespread protests in the capital Kampala and other parts of the country.

The two were among a group of five lawmakers that were detained on August 13 in Uganda's northwestern town of Arua, accused of throwing stones at a presidential convoy during the campaign for a vacant seat in parliament.

Protesters set a bonfire on a street to demand the release of the country's politicians that were arrested for treason and possession of firearms in Kampala, Uganda, August 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, has repeatedly been accused by his opponents of rights abuses and widespread use of security personnel to suppress opposition to his rule. He denies that his government carries out abuse.

"The Uganda Police halted the departure of the Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu at Entebbe International Airport," police tweeted late on Thursday. "Given the fact that he is on bail, the police is concerned and await for guidance from the relevant government department."

In a separate statement on Thursday police said they had also found Zaake at Entebbe early on Thursday, "trying to flee the country and accordingly apprehended him."

Kyagulanyi in particular has emerged as a formidable threat to Museveni's 32-year rule, winning popular support through his music and strong criticism of the government.

Supporters of detained Ugandan singer-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, react to his being granted bail, August 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

In the days after the lawmakers were detained, allied politicians and relatives said the two were tortured and both needed to be taken outside the country for specialized medical care.

Kyagulanyi, who has been charged with treason alongside several others for his role in the stoning incident, used crutches in court appearances

Police said Zaake had been taken to the country's national referral hospital in Kampala where he would be treated under custody. He would be charged "at an appropriate time" with offenses from the stoning of the presidential convoy.

Source(s): Reuters