OPPOSITION POP STAR BLOCKED FROM FLYING TO U.S. FOR MEDICAL AID
Protests erupted in Uganda’s capital on Friday after police blocked a pop star-turned-opposition lawmaker from leaving for the U.S. for treatment after alleged torture while in detention, while the government accused hospital workers of refusing to help police take his statement. The actions by security forces have escalated a political dispute between the government of longtime President Yoweri Museveni and a youthful generation that fears he intends to rule for life after 32 years in power. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was stopped Thursday while trying to board a flight at the Entebbe airport, lawyer Asuman Basalirwa said. He was checked into a hospital in Kampala in a “worrying condition,” the lawyer said. The 36-year-old was freed on bail on Monday; he and several others were charged with treason after the president’s motorcade was hit with stones. Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said Ssentamu couldn’t travel abroad without court authorization. He also said a medical exam was needed because the lawmakers had alleged torture but hospital officials were refusing to co-operate.