Ugandan despot President Yoweri Museveni has come under a lot of criticism from the International community following the latest incident of violence on firebrand politician and his biggest critic Bobi Wine.
The Kyadondo East MP had planned a music concert in Jinja town on Saturday night but police raided the hotel that was hosting Wine and his crew ahead of the event, arresting some of the members and forcing the musician to go into hiding.
US Congressman Bradley Sherman said the Ugandan government must commit to essential principles of freedom of speech. He said stifling freedom of speech and expression and arbitrary arrests have no place in a democracy.
“Earlier this year, I met with Bobi Wine after he was brutally beaten and detained by Ugandan security forces for speaking out against corruption,” Mr Sherman said in a tweet Sunday morning.
“Today they have reportedly surrounded him and his team. The Ugandan government must commit to the essential principle of freedom of speech.”
Earlier this year I met with @HEBobiWine after he was brutally beaten and detained by Ugandan security forces for speaking out against corruption. Today they have reportedly surrounded him and his team. The Ugandan govt must commit to the essential principle of freedom of speech. pic.twitter.com/ddb5WpKbSF
— Rep. Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) December 16, 2018
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark also urged Uganda to allow opposition space.
Disturbing reports from #Uganda ?? where Opposition MP #BobiWine is again in hiding following police violently arresting members of his concert crew. Bobi was badly hurt in an earlier violent arrest & detention. Govt must allow opposition space @HEBobiwine https://t.co/T9apsa1KIM pic.twitter.com/DYmcARyqDQ
— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) December 16, 2018
The pressure has been growing on Museveni to allow for political freedom in the country. This is seen as a win for Bobi Wine and his team.