We have all been waiting for Babu Owino to comment on the illegal detention of Ugandan Musician and Politician Bobi Wine. And the Embakasi East Parliamentarian has not disappointed.
He has given Museveni a one week ultimatum to either release Bobi Wine or face the wrath of the former University of Nairobi President.
In an all out attack tweet that has since gone viral, Babu has threatened to lead a team of young parliamentarians from Kenya and Uganda for mega demonstrations in Kampala to push for the musician’s release.
We demand for immediate release of comrade Bobi Wine failure to which I as the Sec Gen Young Parliamentarians Association will lead fellow youthful legislators from Kenya to Uganda where we will hold mega demos to push for comrade Bobi Wine’s unconditional release #FreeBobiWine pic.twitter.com/rKJG6DSznO
— Babu Owino (@Babu_Owino) August 22, 2018
Mr Kyagulanyi was arrested on August 13, in the northwestern town of Arua, on treason claims. Later, the charges were reduced to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition at a military court in Gulu, northern Uganda. The MP is being remanded at Makindye Military Barracks.
Legislators Jared Okelo (Nyando), Gideon Keter (nominated) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East) criticised President Yoweri Museveni for infringing on the rights of Bobi Wine.
“An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere. Our colleague Hon Kyagulanyi should be subjected to the proper rule of the law because we believe Uganda is not a banana republic.
President Museveni must respect the rule of law,” said Mr Okelo. Mr Keter condemned the arrest and reports of torture of the MP, noting the lawmaker, described as a fearless critic of impunity, must be released without any conditions.
Mr Owino who is the KYPA secretary general, said the detention of the youthful MP infringes on his fundamental rights, and warned that the decision to continue holding him would anger young people in the region.