By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-18 13:55:01
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, who ran for president in 2021, accused the police of placing him under house arrest on Thursday ahead of planned protests against the poor condition of roads in Uganda. The opposition had organized the demonstrations to call for government action to address the country’s deteriorating road infrastructure, as Uganda is set to host two global summits this month.
Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, took to social media to denounce the police and military for surrounding his residence in Magere, north of Kampala. He vowed to proceed with the protest despite being confined to his home, calling for the release of political prisoners and demanding better roads for Uganda.
Similarly, former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, a member of the Forum for Democratic Change opposition party, reported being barricaded at home and unable to leave. He urged Ugandans to join in the protest and called for support in addressing the country’s road issues.
The government, however, has vowed to prevent the demonstrations, citing concerns over potential disruptions to the ongoing Non-Aligned Movement summit in Kampala, which is being attended by thousands of delegates. The police have highlighted past instances of unrest associated with the opposition figures as justification for thwarting the protests.
The opposition’s call for action on the roads issue comes amid ongoing political tensions in Uganda, with opposition leaders challenging the long-standing rule of President Yoweri Museveni. The planned protests serve as a demonstration of discontent with the current administration’s handling of important infrastructure issues in the country.
