Ugandan police kill demonstrator at ‘Bobi Wine’ protest

AT LEAST one person has been killed and dozens have been arrested as the Ugandan government intensified its crackdown on opposition supporters.

Police fired tear gas and opened fire in several locations around the country against demonstrators who were protesting against the arrest and alleged beating of Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, an opposition MP. One person was shot and killed and five others were injured when police opened fire on a minibus during one protest, a police spokesman said.

Mr Kyagulanyi and other MPS were arrested last week during a local election campaign in the northern town of Arua, when the convoy of President Yoweri Museveni was pelted with stones.

Mr Kyagulanyi, a popular Afro-beat musician, who many Ugandans believe poses a threat to the leader’s long-term ambitions, has since been charged with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

Mr Kyagulanyi’s lawyer has said that his client has been tortured in detention and has suffered multiple injuries, claims that the president has called “fake news”. Mr Museveni said he had personally checked with army doctors and that Mr Kyagulanyi was not injured.