
Economic Fighters League: Fighters Condemns Illegal Detention of Ugandan Presidential Candidate Kyagulanyi ‘Bobi Wine’ Ssentamu and Demands his Immediate Release (18.11.2020)



Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is now detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja district. After being arrested earlier in Luuka district on the road with his Presidential Campaign and with his convoy. However, he was brutally stopped there, arrested and taken away to Nalufenya. Later charged with Penal Code article 171, which is spreading disease and in this regard COVID-19.
However, all along this was to be expected at one point or another. That Bobi Wine would be arrested. This was something the National Unity Platform and the People Power Movement could anticipate. Because, at some stage the state and the authorities would find a reason or excuse to arrest him. That is what they do to their arch-enemies.
Bobi Wine is the symbol and the one carrying the mantle, which implies he is taking a cause of a peaceful transfer, even speaking of a revolution to topple the dictatorship and President Museveni. In such a regard and with a huge popularity. That Bobi Wine has strike a nerve, which is hard for the authorities to contain.
Bobi Wine have with his message, manifesto and his ideals brought the youth and disenfranchised a party and an ideology. Where they believe they can together bring change and also ensure the end of the reign of Museveni.
That is a hard bargain. Near impossible, as Museveni has installed himself and his allies in every part of the government. There isn’t anywhere where the President cannot order or direct. The President has his touch on all things and can get his memo to every corner of the Republic. That sort of control is what keeps him in power.
However, that isn’t without its costs. As the President have kept the public poor, haven’t ensured the benefits for the average citizens and they have not earned on his Presidency. No, they are living in the same peasantry they did before the took power. Yes, they can afford soap and some goods, but there are plenty who struggles to get enough to have one-meal-a-day. Nevertheless, the President and his team isn’t stressed by that fact.
Bobi Wine is there to make a difference, change and liberate from this toils, suffering and oppression, which have been inflicted on the Republic for so long. This is why Museveni have gotten a new type of leader against him. Not the run-of-the-mill former cadre from the NRM or any common intellectual. No, he has gotten a man from the ghetto, a musician and a man who has the wisdom to listen to the one around him.
Bobi Wine is the symbol that Museveni didn’t want to create. The People Power Movement and Bobi Wine is the sort of effort Museveni dreamed off before he needed the Bush-War himself. Inside himself, I am sure he feels the pain. That he never got the love to this extent without a civil-war. The President only got the bash of glory after participating in killings thousands upon thousands of civilians to gain power. The man didn’t achieve it through the ballots and through his messaging.
That is Bobi Wine is turning into a true opponent. A sort of opposition and example, which is in stark contrast to himself. Bobi Wine is the new revolutionary. When he is supposed to be the liberator. However, Bobi Wine works to liberate the Republic from him and his reign. That maybe boggles the President. Because, he forgets why he went to Bush. Since, everything he fought against. He has become himself.
That is why Bobi Wine and his candidacy exists. Bobi Wine wouldn’t be the symbol. The man fighting the cause and working for liberation now. If it wasn’t for Museveni keeping the shackles and the bracelets on the general public.
The arrest of Bobi Wine will not be the end. The road to 2021 is still long. It might seem short, but the days ahead will feel long. Museveni might overcome this too. He has survived so many protests and demonstrations. However, Bobi Wine isn’t the sort of player he is used too.
Bobi Wine is the symbol and the man he never wanted to challenge. Because, Bobi Wine is one of them. Bobi Wine can and has the ability to strike a cord with the electorate and also inspire them. In a way that Museveni never will be able to do.
This is why Museveni fears him. That is why Museveni despise him. Also, the reason why Museveni goes after him. The symbol of everything Museveni isn’t and wished he was himself. Though Museveni came with a promise to liberate the public. He squandered that and became the oppressor himself. Peace.

Today, there are riots, demonstrations and measures by civilians all across the Republic as two main Presidential Candidates Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat is both arrested and detained. This is happening with the usage of COVID-19 regulations, while not ensuring the safety of the candidates or their convoys, but instead violently and brutally arresting in their respective parts of the Republic.
The results are staggering and shattering. The youths, the unemployed and the ones who seeks hope in these gentlemen are in the streets. They are throwing stones, burning tires and acting out their frustrations. As the state, the ruling regime and the President himself never has given them any sort of way out.
The President has ruled supreme since 1986. He has run the nation with an brutality, arbitrary arrests and extra judicial killings. This is well-known. The man is using safe-houses and various of para-military and intelligence outfits to control the Republic too. So, it’s not he isn’t using all means to stop and silence the opposition. Plus having the army and the police on his side at any given day. Like today and yesterday… he had them when in need.
Today is just the proof of the bitterness. As the public and a generation is bitter. The Republic haven’t progressed or delivered for them. The Republic isn’t in a better place now. The President haven’t secured their future. It haven’t even helped them to feed their kids tomorrow.
So many has never seen another man in power. They have never had the opportunity to see another style of leadership. The young nation run by a bunch of old bush-war historicals. Who has a story and reason to rule, which to the youth doesn’t appeal to them. The results and the achievements seems futile now. As they haven’t benefited from the “liberation”. A liberation which only liberated a few chosen ones. The rest are still struggling and if they find leaders elsewhere. They will struggle to assemble or be legally associated with them. This is why days like today happens.
The National Resistance Movement and President Museveni came with a promise they never kept. They promised democracy and peasants representation. However, they never truly did. They have “representatives” but that is their selected ones and not the ones who is there as the will of the people. The institution are all appointed and selected men from the President. The judiciary and every other government office is filled with cronies. Therefore, they are all in the game to keep this system alive. Even if it doesn’t benefit or really represent the public at large.
Museveni can speak game. He has spoken so many times. The President have been a public for so long. That at one point or another he spoke or wrote the truth. However, he doesn’t abide by it. Neither does his cabinet or the ones inside his patronage. They are indulged and enjoying the perks. The spoils of fortune and entitlement. That is why the apologists cry foul over some small destruction, properties damaged and car windows, but they don’t cry over the citizens killed or injured. They are not speaking out of the police brutality or the hurt it does.
That why it is a bitterness. There so many who is tired of being taken for granted. Being used as pawns for World Bank and International Monetary Fund grants and loans, but not to get anything out of the funds given to the government. The state was supposed to develop and make opportunities for the public. The state was supposed to shelter and make sure the citizens are safe. Instead they sheltering and harbouring one small elite and the President’s Men.
That’s why people are acting out. They have had it and seen enough. Where there is smoke, there is fire. The village is on fire, but the firemen is not to be seen. The ones who is supposed to make it stop. Is using their time arresting their enemies, than doing their actual job. That is why people are tired.
Museveni have let things burn and hoped no one would smell it. However, at one point the smoke and flames will overshadow anything else. Then, the President and his men got no where to hide. While no matter what forces he sends to stop it. Everything in its way will burn and the next man taking the reigns has to rebuild. All, because one man could never let go and became the same oppressor as the oppressors he was supposed to liberate the public from. Peace.

“Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrested in Gulu where he was expected to address his supporters this evening at Awere Sports Ground teargas and live bullets continue rocking the city.” (Kungu Al-mahadi Adam, 18.11.2020).
The authorities have decided that today was enough of peaceful campaigns and go rouge towards the opposition candidates. This is the second opposition Presidential arrested today. They arrested him as he was heading to a rally in Gulu.
Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Flag-Bearer and Party President is currently detained in Gulu Central Police Station. We don’t know what charges yet, but expect to billed to the Penal Code 171 or in same fashion as Bobi Wine. As these are both main competitors to the Presidency.
Also, there has been reports of supporters and activists of the party arrested at the same time as the Presidential candidates. This shows to what extent the state goes to silence the opposition. POA is just another one who is supposed ask for the blessing of the anointed one. Clearly, he didn’t get the memo and that he was to be punished.
POA is just a man who honestly tried to carry the campaign and his “barefoot” message to the public. Still, that is so dangerous to the authorities that they had to arrest him. We shouldn’t be shocked, as he was violently taken and lost his shoes on the day of nomination. Therefore, this follows their steady program.
POA has also been blocked and had trouble holding rallies since nomination. So, it is just taking it up a notch. This is the steady impunity of the state towards opposition. POA is just another target, which the state has their aim upon.
The state have followed, monitored and always gone after the FDC. Therefore, this isn’t new. They easily find reasons to besiege the FDC headquarters in Kampala. That’s why this is a sign of what is ahead. When POA get arrested and detained like this in Gulu. Peace.

Today in Luuka District as Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was about to campaign. Was arrested brutally by the local police. They took him first to an “unknown” location, but that was later reported that he is detained in Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja District.
It is not shocking that it’s happening. Since the day of nomination this was bound to happen eventually. No real candidate challenging the President and his party will go through scuffle-free. Today is just the day this got real.
Not that Bobi Wine haven’t been there before already. The Presidential Candidate have already been scorned, touched and felt the brute force of the authorities. So, when he decided to stand and be the flag-bearer he knew this would be his fate.
The Luuka Police is charging him with the Penal Code article 171, which states:
“171. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease.
Any person who unlawfully or negligently does any act which is and which he or she knows or has reason to believe to be likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years” (Penal Code, 1950).
So, the state is using a colonial law, which still makes sense during a pandemic. However, they are using it on the opposition, but the same law isn’t used against their own party cadres who are throwing big rallies and processions for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The Luuka Police does this to stop and silence the opposition. They wouldn’t have done this, if these crowds was showing up for Museveni and his campaign convoy. That would not happen. Bebe Cool could be running around like crazy and be jolly with people on the streets.
Therefore, we know the deal and this is impunity against the campaign of Bobi Wine. This would never ever happen to Museveni. He would never be touched, scorned or even punished for anything. His ground is anointed and blessed. While the others has to ask for his blessing to be able assemble and be active.
This is why Bobi Wine is in trouble… and is charged like he is. Bobi Wine will get plenty more charges, more arrests and have cases all across the Republic. That will happen as long as President Museveni is ruling supreme. That has happen to others who has aimed at the throne and that is now the journey ahead for Bobi Wine. It isn’t justice, but the selective rule of law, which is the NRM way. Peace.

“Police has arrested NUP presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, and taken him to an unknown place. Bobi Wine has been arrested at his campaign venue in Luuka District following a scuffle between his supporters and security” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 18.11.2020).
Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been stopped in his tracks. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement Presidential Candidate have now been arrested. After the police and law enforcement have cracked down on the campaign rally of Bobi Wine. They have also arrested journalists and others. While tear-gassing the venue and such.
This is the difference between the “real” opposition and the ones who are running for the ruling regime. That the opposition will be incriminated and they will pin charges on you. While the ruling regime can do similar actions, but not get any crackdown from the authorities.
Today, it’s Bobi Wine. Tomorrow it’s someone else who dares to challenge the throne. They will either use the means of Public Order or COVID-19 as an excuse to arrest him this time around. A systemic way to oppress and silence the opposition.
Bobi Wine have been lucky that this didn’t happen before… he has been blocked and tear-gassed, but not arrested. So, that it lasted this long was luck in a way. That the authorities waited this long. Because, when you do challenge the State House or the “High Above”. Expect to be punished and suffer. There will be consequences…
These consequences we are seeing today. Bobi Wine isn’t the first to be here and will not be the last. Especially, if the state is able to contain the popularity and the campaign of NUP. That is what they want. While they want to look like a winning team, yet again.
We can easily see that Bobi Wine is the main target and the ones who gets the brutal treatment from the state. He is the man who is the competitor and have the message, which the state wants to silence.
This is just the way they operate and have done for years. Expect some ridiculous charges, excuses and a mockery of “trial”.
It is now reported that Bobi Wine is detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja district. However, the case will go nowhere and its just a phony act to stop him from campaigning. Peace.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate was scheduled to hold campaign rallies in Mbale today on the 15th November 2020. The Police Force thrown tear-gas cannister inside the vehicle of the candidate. This shows the impunity of the police regarding the opposition. Opposition candidates have been blocked from campaigning across the republic. However, this was the worst example just today.
That the car of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was smoking today. It was a bad Marlboro Ad or a looking like the car was about to catch fire. Alas, that was not the case. This was just the run of mill operation by police officers. Who has no issues with tear-gassing an Presidential Candidate. Just like they have no issues using it as a tool to get people dispersed too. This is what they do…
In the run-up to General Election in 2021 is no different from the past. This sort of thing has happen a few times with Dr. Kizza Besigye too. He was partly blind for a while because of the sprayed liquid on him in April 2011. Also, been happening to him in 2015 and in 2016. They have destroyed his vehicle and violently taken him into custody.
This is police brutality that Uganda Police Force delivers. Per orders from the “high above” this is the tactic of intimidation and humiliation. They are misusing power and doing it deliberately. A sort of Modus Operandi and its like they are proud of it too. Like a badge of honour. I also was able to cause havoc and pain on either citizens or the opposition.
What happened to Bobi Wine shouldn’t have happened. However, we shouldn’t be shocked. This is what they do. Also, if you don’t know. Bobi Wine is the main target this campaign season. After that comes Patrick Oboi Amuriat. After that comes the rest in random order. Peace.

That the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is starting their Presidential Campaigns in Luweero says everything. This is to remember the Bush-War and the legacy it has left behind. Even if for most of the youths. That was isn’t relevant in 2020, but for the President and his allies it is the reason for their rule.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is starting there for a reason. Just like Lt. Gen. David Tinyefuza have explained the reason for the NRA choice of Luweero. They decided it as a base in the 1980s because of the close proximity and it was easily for rebels to be blended into the population. Therefore, the reason for its existence is it strategic position.
It is rich that he wants to be here, as there was by 1985 estimated that over 300,000 civilians died in the Luweero Triangle and most likely the numbers was much worse. That is why the choice of doing it here is very obnoxious. The NRM has done it before and even dropped ads on television and online with the skulls of Luweero.
While the NRA non-combatants of Luweero have never gotten what they were promised. Neither, has the local government gotten the recognition or the needed government services. The former councillors have complained to Radio Sapientia in June 2020. Therefore, the NRM has the audacity to celebrate it now and calling it’s it Mecca. Nevertheless, the NRM haven’t invested in the region or tried to pay back it’s sacrifice for the cause.
We know this is also a sore point of the NRA/NRM as Olara Otunnu asked for Inquiry and Investigation into the killings of civilians in the Luweero Triangle in 2010. Something the NRM dismissed, Gen. Tinye did that at the time as well.
Like Tinye stated in April 2010: “I counted 217 bodies of civilians who had been killed by Obote’s forces in Buhimba, Kasunga the and Busiisi in Hoima alone. The NRM didn’t kill its people and anybody making such remarks should stop” (Tinye, April 2010).
We know there was massive battle between both the NRA and the UNLA. It wasn’t a one-sided battle-zone. This is why, by most certainty that the NRA has caused fatalities of civilians during the Bush-War. To think otherwise is naive. That is the way of propaganda. Where only one party is doing evil, while the other is saints. Meanwhile the truth is in the middle. That both are killing in the midsts of war and in the cross-fire, civilian lives are lost.
If we believed differently, then it would be flying unicorns and spider-monkeys flying about to forget about the current reality we are living in.
The Luweero Triangle is significant for the NRM. Nevertheless, they should also take responsibility and not only cherish the sacrifice of the civilians there. As this could never be repaid and the tab is still open. Since, if it wasn’t for making that a base for the NRA. The Presidency and the NRM wouldn’t had the ability to take power in 1986. This is why the NRM should make the place special. Not only have ceremonies and some small tokens to a chosen few.
Even if this battles are less of relevant for the struggling youths and growing up generations of the Republic. The NRM needs to prove it was worth it. Since, the NRA is indebted to Luweero, which they have never cared about. After they took power, which was 34 years ago. It has only been symbolic gestures, but not shown true responsibility to the region.
This is why the choice of picking Luweero Triangle as the Campaign hot-spot and the start of Presidential Campaigns in 2021. Is to not only tell war-stories again. Try to earn more political capital by the loss of lives in 1980s. This is what is happening and the NRM needs to re-issue this. Because, their track-record in power isn’t that great. That is why it has to go back to the roots and continue to linger on the reasons, which isn’t relevant in 2020.
The trouble for the President isn’t to bring back history, but not repeating it. He is using power with force, ensuring he can reign supreme. Even when people are tired of his reign. The NRM is rigging elections like the ones they toppled. Therefore, the same reasons that was viable in 1980s is now relevant for the opposition and not the other way around. As the same sins that made sense for the NRA is now making sense for Bobi Wine’s and others. Which is why NRM is going back to its roots.
To prove for themselves that their liberation was just. Even when it wasn’t and only for a chosen few. So many are left behind and that has been deliberate. The NRM cannot run away from the legacy and the lack of progress after.
President Museveni can bash in glory, but that will only be for himself and the few NRA historicals, which is still in his sphere. However, the general public is under his iron-fist and lucky if they are getting a taste. That is the sad reality and shows the blatant disregard of the public. As the NRM thinks they can sell the same story again ahead of 2021. Peace.

“Our assurance is that when we take over government, which we shall soon do, the people of Uganda will for the first time in history become the bosses and the leaders will be servants!” – Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on the 7th November 2020
Today was the day the National Unity Platform finally launched its manifesto. This after being blocked from doing so yesterday and moved to stadium outside of Mbarara. The NUP shifted place,e but goals stay the same. I will look into key points from this speech. As this sets the tone of it all. He continues on the 5 point programme to revitalize the government, which I have already analysed before in comparison to Museveni’s 10 Point Programme. So, it is natural that the Manifesto has focus on this.
However, what is key is some other statements during the speech. Which shows his sentiment and his belief that he can make a difference. Where the NUP and People Power can come into play. That is what I am looking for here and will discuss.
“Fellow citizens, before I go into any policy alternatives, allow me to mention that the greatness of any nation does not lie in having a beautiful manifesto or even in having many well written policy documents. The greatness of any nation lies in the commitment of leaders who say what they mean and mean what they say. It lies in having patriotic leaders who relate with the challenges of ordinary citizens. Brothers and sisters, the greatness of any nation lies in having leaders who are focused on the next generation and not on the next general election” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).
Here he state a mere fact. This is something the National Resistance Movement has done for ages. The NRM have come with beautiful plans and policies. However, they haven’t implemented it. They have come with pledges and promises, but never delivered on it. Here it seems like Bobi Wine has the right focus. To think further than an election cycle, but a generation ahead.
“It speaks to a government which does not care whatsoever about the plight of the people! The election year is yet again upon us, and yet again, Gen. Museveni has come again with the same promises, which he has no intention of fulfilling- not now, not in the future. This is the tragedy of Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).
The recycling and repeating promises of the regime is tiring. The state and the President have come at every election cycle with huge promises, which he will never keep. Costly and needed pledges, which he has no tab to cover. Just what the public wants to hear, but not deliver. That is what he has done and still has no plan doing. Therefore, Bobi Wine is speaking the truth here. A truth the NRM and the President will hurry to dismiss…
“In a nutshell ladies and gentlemen, A vote for NUP is a vote for a renewed commitment to the dignity of all citizens of Uganda. For the respect of fundamental human rights. For the recognition that all citizens are equal before and under the law. That will be a new Uganda for us. A Uganda In which citizens are free to enjoy their God given rights and freedoms” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).
This statement from Bobi Wine came after he listed several of pledges, as he promised to nearly all parts of the citizens to see changes. Where the limitations of state, changes of governance and direct government. Like less cabinet members and other technical changes to save the state so it could prioritize funds for civil service and public service in general, which in the end would deliver better government services to its citizens. Not only be a government filled with patronage and corruption.
He really speaks with velocity of change, in a manner, which only resembles Besigye. That is what he did with the speech today. As he launches a manifesto. A manifesto that only reflects all the things the NRM have failed over the years. Because, if the NRM had delivered and done their duty. The NUP and Bobi Wine wouldn’t need to deliver these pledges and promises of change.
The final key to let it happen is this:
“This is a liberation struggle. It will take all of us citizens to complete this mission” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).
He cannot do this alone. To become the servant with an office. Bobi Wine needs to the citizens to join the struggle and the challenge to defeat the regime. That will not be easy. This has been proven before and will be the truth again. If the public wants someone else than Museveni. They have to fight and be resilient. It isn’t a one-man job, but a mission for everyone. Hopefully the public is listening. Peace.

