KAMPALA – Police in Mbarara town on Wednesday fired teargas and bullets to disperse the jubilating crowds that had gathered up to wave at Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
Accompanied by Mityana Municipality counterpart Francis Zaake and Bugiri’s Asumani Basalirwa, Bobi Wine had stopped over in Mbarara town to have lunch on his way back from the burial of Mr. Francis Mwijukye’s father in Buhweju District.
A number of youth were arrested by police and were taken to the nearby Police stations.
Bobi Wine saluted Mbarara town residents for their courage in the face of police brutality.
“On our way back, we stopped over in Mbarara City to enjoy our favourite local dish at Baguma Restaurant.
By the time we were done with our meal, crowds of supporters had gathered outside the restaurant and were demanding that we wave to them,” he said.
“We obliged and waved to the crowds of happy people. It was at this point that the police showed up and started firing tear-gas towards these innocent non-violent citizens. The people, however, stood firm and gave us protection until we left the town. Thank you, Mbarara! I can promise that we shall soon come back,” he added.
Bobi Wine also condoled with Mr. Mwijukye.
“This morning, together with Hon. Zaake, Hon. Basalirwa and other friends, we traveled to Buhweju District for the funeral of Mzee Zonobio Tubeingana the father to my brother and colleague MP, Hon. Francis Mwijukye who is also a resident of Kyadondo East constituency. We pray that God rests mzee’s soul in eternal peace, and pray for strength upon the family as they cope with this very big loss.”
Bobi Wine entered active politics in 2017 and won the Kyadondo East by-election with a landslide victory. He is the face of “People Power”, a political movement of sorts, which has morphed into a force to reckon with. Bobi Wine’s phenomenal rise has left established politicians both in government and opposition scampering for ways of containing him.
