Lawmaker Robert Kyagulanyi popularly referred to as Bobi Wine returned to Uganda after receiving specialist medical treatment in the United States.
LIVE: Uganda police escort Bobi Wine home to cheers from fans
He flew to the U.S. after alleging torture at the hands of the military after he was arrested during a political campaign where president Yoweri Museveni’s convoy was stoned by opposition elements according to government.
Local media have reported that the lawmaker’s brother has been arrested by police at the Entebbe International Airport. A number of journalists have also been arrested.
Bobi Wine arrived at Entebbe aboard Kenyan Airways flight KQ412.
Also on board the flight is former leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza.
Bobi Wine whisked into an army vehicle – Daily Monitor Uganda reports.
A Facebook live video shared by the MP confirms his arrest on touching down.
Police deny arresting him, they say he was only being provided escort to his home.
Bobi Wine is currently being held at Kasangati police station – The Observer Uganda reports.
Main opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, says Uganda has become a Benghazi.
Police have finally escorted Bobi Wine to his home.
#BobiWine finally at home #BobiWineReturns ? bamulanzeki pic.twitter.com/yHT0e4l41L
— The Observer (observerug) September 20, 2018
BOBI WINE now at his home in Magere, Wakiso District. #NTVNews
Photo (fergalkeane47) pic.twitter.com/Ag9HzPhe8D
— Maurice Mugisha (MauriceMugisha) September 20, 2018
Crowds start to gather outside Kasangati police station where #BobiWine is currently being tightly guarded in a police vehicle ? bamulanzeki #BobiWineReturns #Uganda pic.twitter.com/gKC8akW6JK
— The Observer (observerug) September 20, 2018
Police convoy escorted by an APC has just arrived HEBobiwine home! It's likely that Hon Kuagulanyi will now be blockaded at home till further notice. This ghastly violation of Human Rights &political repression has become the norm!Well be back HEBobiwine to our Benghazi! https://t.co/9kSLhIEx4h— Kifefe Kizza-Besigye (@kizzabesigye1) September 20, 2018
Several motorcycle taxis (boda bodas) bearing pro-#BobiWine stickers impounded by police and army #BobiWineReturns ? bamulanzeki pic.twitter.com/Cr3zkJ7VKG
— The Observer (observerug) September 20, 2018
Bobi Wine arrives, asks to meet his lawyers
JUST IN: Men [five] identifying themselves as security have asked HEBobiwine to board a waiting van. He refuses and insists he willmeet his lawyers first. #NBSUpdates— Mujuni Raymond (@qataharraymond) September 20, 2018
Security deployment at Magere, Kasangati town council, Wakiso District where the home of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi a.k.a Bobi Wine is located. #MonitorUpdates by Alex Esagala pic.twitter.com/faE30gwSzT— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) September 20, 2018
Residents decorating the home of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine ahead of his arrival from the U.S today. Reports Alex Esagala #MonitorUpdates pic.twitter.com/s9eAVnwA3l— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) September 20, 2018
Celebrations have already started at Bobi Wine's home in Magere ahead of his arrival. Video by Alex Esagala pic.twitter.com/pmE8BTVdbU— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) September 20, 2018
Residents of Magere sweeping the road leading to Bobi Wine's home. Reports Alex Esagala #MonitorUpdates #BobiWineReturn pic.twitter.com/mIvemWz3OK— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) September 20, 2018
#BobiWineReturns helping track ongoings
This senior citizen does know the exact time that the self-proclaimed Ghetto President #BobiWine will arrive in the 'ghetto hood', Kamwokya but she's determined to wait for as long as she can to welcome him with flowers ? bamulanzeki #BobiWineReturns #Uganda pic.twitter.com/hYUzmT0Deq
— The Observer (observerug) September 20, 2018
Roadblocks and security checks as seen at Kajjansi roundabout and in Munyonyo ahead of the return of Kyadondo East MP HEBobiwine #BobiWineReturns https://t.co/MlY6BfvBSN pic.twitter.com/6Edxwy8heF
— NTV UGANDA (ntvuganda) September 20, 2018
Security forces have mounted a checkpoint near kajjansi flyover, all cars are being checked and no journalists allowed beyond this point , Traffic jam stretches from Kajansi to zanna #Bobiwinereturns #BobiWineHomecoming observerug pic.twitter.com/dTsusVlTpY
— nicholas Bamulanzeki (bamulanzeki) September 20, 2018
Celebrations have already started at Bobi Wine's home in Magere ahead of his arrival. Video by Alex Esagala pic.twitter.com/pmE8BTVdbU— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) September 20, 2018
Bobi Wine spotted at JKIA, Nairobi
Latest video of MP Kyagulanyi aboard Kenya Airways flight to Entebbe. (Video Courtesy: KinyanBoy ) #NTVNews #BobiWineReturns pic.twitter.com/fIW4Qy6xz0
— NTV UGANDA (ntvuganda) September 20, 2018
JKIA has a celebrity everyone is struggling to take a selfie with Bobi Wine #BobiWineHomecoming pic.twitter.com/tAXoo1jYCC— Kenya West© (@KinyanBoy) September 20, 2018
JUST IN: Bobi Wine spotted at JKIA #BobiWineHomecoming pic.twitter.com/H2YAiv2MzD— Kenya West© (@KinyanBoy) September 20, 2018
Bobi Wine’s brother, journalists arrested
CONFIRMED: Brother to HEBobiwine has been arrested on his way to the airport. He is detained at Entebbe Police Station. Reason for arrest still unclear. #NBSUpdates
— Mujuni Raymond (qataharraymond) September 20, 2018
Four unidentified men have arrested Journalist JoelSsenyonyi . He was driven to Kitooro in Entebbe and is now detained at Entebbe Police station. Other confirmed arrests are those of Nubian Lee, Bobi’s singing partner, Dan Magic, his music producer. #NBSUpdates
— Mujuni Raymond (qataharraymond) September 20, 2018
Bobi Wine in Kenya expected to arrive in Uganda at midday local time
According to a journalist Mujuni Raymond, who spoke to Bobi Wine, the MP flew from Amsterdam to Nairobi and was getting ready to enplane to Entebbe.
“I landed safely in Kenya and I’m happily waiting on my last and final destination flight to Entebbe. My touchdown is at midday.
I’m appalled to learn of the arrests that have happened. Security should release all people they have in their custody for nothing”— Mujuni Raymond (@qataharraymond) September 20, 2018
“I’m in touch with my legal team in Kampala and I will not leave the airport without them. I still intend to meet my relatives, have lunch in Kamwokya. I’m coming home no matter the intimidation and threat,” Bobi Wine is reported to have said.
Heavy police deployment
There is also report of heavy police deployment across the city where it is widely believed that supporters of Bobi Wine will march to receive him.
Police had earlier on Wednesday announced a set of security guidelines around his return, the move they said was to protect the public interest. Some of the measures included:
On his arrival, the Hon. MP will be received at Entebbe International Airport by his immediate family.
He will be availed security from the airport to his home.
Police will further ensure law and order for all road users.
There shall be no unlawful rallies, processions and assemblies
Any activity that entails a public gathering must be in conformity with the provisions of Public Order Management Act (POMA).
The Hon. MP is expected to comply with the traffic laws and regulations.
Unusual PoliceUg deployment at Kalerwe roundabout, one of the junctions that connects to Gayaza where Mp Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi wine stays. observerug #BobiWineReturns pic.twitter.com/1cNfLEgWcT— Yudaya Nangonzi (@YudayaNangonzi) September 20, 2018
Several check points mounted along Entebbe road. Journalists travelling from Kampala are not allowed beyond Kajjansi flyover. Those already in Entebbe must produce clearance frm CAA_Uganda Precisely, no journalist is allowed to access the airport as #BobiWineReturns pic.twitter.com/KZXHmPvt1F
— Sadab Kitatta (sadabkitatta79) September 20, 2018
Bobi Wine responds to security guidelines issued by police
Media regulator bans LIVE coverage of event
Breaking: UCC_Official calls simbaradio asking it to stop live coverage of HEBobiwine return. This follows the arrest of Radio Simba's reporter Ssematimba Bwegire as he reported from Kitooro in Entebbe. Ssematimba has meanwhile been freed.
— Dick Nvule?? (nvulescribe) September 20, 2018@alfaafrican