Politician Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as pop star Bobi Wine, will jet back to Uganda today, setting the stage for a showdown. Kyagulanyi, 36, returns home from the United States after finishing medical treatment for injuries he said he sustained when Ugandan police detained and beat him.
The singer-turned-politician has become a lightning rod for opposition sentiment against President Yoweri Musaveni, who has ruled the country since 1986.
After his arrest, police and soldiers violently put down protests against his treatment.
Bobi Wine’s return has been hugely anticipated not only in Uganda but in the whole of Africa at large after his troubles with the Ugandan authorities got global coverage.
Though adored by his Ugandan supporters, it is unlikely that Bobi Wine will get a chance to talk to them as the Ugandan police issued a press release banning public rallies, a move that is widely expected to backfire or at the very least lead to commotion.
Here is what we know so far regarding Bobi Wine’s Homecoming..
He was in the 254 today..
Earlier before boarding @KenyaAirways for Kampala, @HEBobiwine spent some moments with KOT members, the people that were very instrumental in the #FreeBobiwine campaign. #BobiWineReturns pic.twitter.com/AdgucObJJb
— King Of East Africa (@Ugaman01) September 20, 2018
His will get zero coverage from the Ugandan Media..
#UPDATE: Journalists in Uganda have been barred from accessing Entebbe airport. #BobiWineReturns @ntvuganda
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) September 20, 2018
He is being awaited by more than just his supporters..
Check who is not scared of Bobi Wine😂😂😂😂
Not even half the president's age but guy is causing all this!!!
#BobiWineReturns pic.twitter.com/LoMeNUxrCu— Seventh son. (@DuncanKabiito) September 20, 2018
Moving freely will most probably not be guaranteed..
Several check points mounted along Entebbe road. Journalists travelling from Kampala are not allowed beyond Kajjansi flyover. Those already in Entebbe must produce clearance frm @CAA_Uganda Precisely, no journalist is allowed to access the airport as #BobiWineReturns pic.twitter.com/KZXHmPvt1F
— Sadab Kitatta (@sadabkitatta79) September 20, 2018
Ugandan’s are fed up with how the authorities are treating him..
Seems the state is determined to radicalize the Bobi Wine faction further. Some of the gathered youth tell me, "We don't fear guns. They can only shoot and kill. Better to die than live a life of suffering". About army canes, "We are beaten by life everyday." #BobiWineReturns
— Silver Kayondo (@SilverKayondo) September 20, 2018