Security forces in Uganda have arrested the country ’ s main opposition figure, Robert Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine .
Bobi Wine had last week called on Ugandans to “ rise up peacefully and unarmed” in protest against President Yoweri Museveni , who has ruled the East African country for nearly four decades.
He was arrested during the protest when he led members of parliament against the torture of his supporters , according to a tweet posted on Monday by the administrators of his verified Twitter handle .
“ Bobi Wine arrested as he led MPs and other leaders in a peaceful protest against the abduction , torture and murder of his supporters. The protest was taking place at City Square, Kampala. ~ ADMIN, ” the tweet stated .
Museveni won a sixth term in office in January with 58 percent of the vote. His main rival was Wine , who came second with 35 percent and decried the election as rigged .
The singer- turned- lawmaker refused to accept the result and challenged it in court , saying he won the day . But the 39-year- old later withdrew his petition, saying the judiciary was stacked in favour of Museveni .
Speaking earlier at the headquarters of his National Unity Platform in Kampala, Wine said the time had come for public demonstrations against Museveni , who took power in 1986 and has ruled ever since .
“ I call upon you to rise up peacefully and unarmed to demonstrate against the regime that has oppressed us , exploited us and turned us into slaves in our own country, ” Wine had said .
“ We invite you to march to your respective district offices and seek answers, ” he had added .
Demonstrations against Wine ’ s arrest in November during the election campaign were brutally dispersed by security forces and at least 54 people died .
Since the January 14 election , the opposition has alleged that security forces have been abducting their supporters.
Museveni and government officials initially denied these claims , but later admitted that citizens accusing of plotting against the state were being held by the military and other security agencies .
The police pre -emptively declared Wine ’ s call for protests illegal and warned “ organisers of these unlawful demonstrations to desist from participating in any unlawful activities” .
“ The police will not hesitate to arrest and charge in courts of law anyone, who will be found participating in these illegal activities, ” Uganda ’ s police force said in a statement on Monday night.
Joint police and military patrols have blocked off several roads in Kampala and a police helicopter buzzed low over the NUP premises.
