By Staff Writer
The government of Uganda has responded to the U.S. Embassy Kampala statement on the Bobi Wine Kyarenga xtra concert saga.
In a statement released by Media Center today, government acknowledged that everyone has rights and freedoms that they not leaving out politicians and musicians.
The statement, however, confirmed that Bobi Wine’s case is special and will be treated as such. Below is the full statement.
‘Indeed government of Uganda respects rule of law and constitutionalism which guarantees freedom of assembly expression and movement. And expects all leaders to abide by these standards and cooperate with law enforcement officers in the conduct of their activities. Save for one artiste, all artistes in Uganda enjoy the freedom of performance and the media platforms are as free. Equally all politicians enjoy free access to these media platforms.”
The statement was signed by Ofwono Opondo, the Executive Director Uganda Media Centre.
On Easter Monday, musician Bobi Wine was slated to hold his Kyarenga xtra concert at Busabala beach. The singer turned politician was told in writing hours to the concert that he had failed to adhere to some of the guidelines set by security hence stopping the concert.
Bobi Wine and his promoters spent the better part of Monday morning in running battles with the Police. In one of the fights, Bobi Wine was seen in a video, seated in his car with his security and promoters as police broke in using batons and gun butts.
He was later captured and taken to his home where he has been under house arrest. In a statement, he called for mass protests against police. This prompted the U.S. Embassy Kampala to intervene.