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Ugandan police have detained the singer and political activist known as Bobi Wine, who planned Monday to hold his first public meeting with supporters as a presidential aspirant.
Police fired tear gas as they dispersed the crowd outside the capital, Kampala. Gunfire was heard but it was not clear if the shots were live rounds or rubber bullets.
The singer-turned-politician was arrested on Monday by dozens of policemen in Kampala, the country’s capital, as he attempted to access a venue in the city to attend an event.
The foiled meeting had been authorized by electoral authorities. It was the first of several planned by Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
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Police have repeatedly prevented the opposition lawmaker from addressing rallies or even organizing musical concerts in recent months, saying the events pose a danger to the public. A police spokesman did not immediately respond to questions.
With the Ugandan Presidential election is set for 2021, Bobi Wine officially announced his bid to contest for presidency on July 24, 2019.
Bobi Wine has called for the retirement of long-time President Yoweri Museveni, saying young people must prepare to take over leadership of the East African nation. Museveni, who has indicated he will run again, accuses him of trying to lure his supporters into rioting.
