Jose Chameleone and songbird Juliana Kanyomozi are among the top Ugandan public figures who have weighed in on the arrest and detention of musician-turned politician Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine, who is the Kyadondo East MP, is facing allegations of inciting his supporters to stone President Museveni’s entourage in Arua Town on Monday night. During the violent clashes, Bobi Wine’s driver was shot dead, by a police bullet that was allegedly meant for his head.
The celebrated musician escaped the melee and sought refuge in the ceiling of a hotel before he was arrested by authorities. He had been incommunicado detention since Tuesday, with his fans and the general Ugandan population fearing for the worst.
Bobi Wine is said to be receiving treatment at a military hospital in the Northern Uganda town of Gulu as he faces treason and illegal gun possession charges.
Police in Arua reportedly recovered two submachine guns and a pistol from Bobi Wine and Independent candidate Kassiano Wadri.
“Kassiano Wadri was arrested with one pistol, which had 12 rounds of ammunition(…) It was found with him during the time of his arrest. He even confessed that he is licensed to have it,” said Police spokesperson of north-western region, Josephine Angucia.
“For that matter, all have been charged with treason, unlawful possession of firearms, that is for the case of Kyagulanyi Robert and malicious damage to the motor vehicle belonging to the convoy of the President.”
Police say they recovered a total of 75 rounds of ammunition, 46 white tablets suspected to be drugs, Ugandan flags, red t-shirts and smartphones found in the rooms of the legislators at Arua Pacific Hotel.
The whole saga has prompted Jose Chameleone and Juliana Kanyomozi to speak up on behalf of their collegue, Bobi Wine.
Taking to social media, Juliana urged authorities to treat Bobi Wine with “dignity and respect”.
“Am praying and hoping for the sane ending of all this chaos that’s going on. I call upon all those who are incharge of our brother’s whereabouts to treat him with dignity and respect his rights that he is entitled to as a Ugandan whatever the circumstances he is facing right now.
God look upon our country and guide us. We pray for fairness for all in our country,” Juliana wrote.
While Jose Chameleone penned an open letter addressed to President Museveni calling for dialogue and peace.
“As the Head of State it’s great to lead us in example of forgiveness and reconciliation as that is one of the prime problems that have hindered our society,” said Chamaleone.
“As a son of this nation… with all honour beg you the President to symbolize forgiveness in such a time. We can all wrong but better the forgiver Mr. President. You are a Father, Parent and always forgiving one. We shall all remain calm and hopeful that the coming developments will see us live harmoniously and have a peaceful country henceforth.”
