Friends, family members and well-wishers today gathered at Rubaga Cathedral to show solidarity with Legislator Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, MPs and 33 other citizens who are currently in detention over the Arua fracas. With the ‘FreeBobiWine’ campaign gaining momentum each day that goes by, Ugandans and Kyagulanyi’s colleagues in the music industry decided to take the matter before God so that he may be released to get proper medical attention.
Several guests attended the event that started at 12:00am, these included Buganda officials, opposition leaders, Federation of Performing Artistes, the Uganda Musicians Association, DJs, music producers and promoters. The church authorities had earlier warned the guests not turn the pulpit into a platform to echo their political views.
In her speech, Bobi Wine’s wife Barbie Itungo said, “Thank you all for honouring this day and standing with us. I’m here on behalf of my family to talk about my husband who I have seen twice. Before I go further, I would like to thank all ladies for being courageous and airing out your thoughts on media platforms without fear. We also continue to thank you for being calm at this moment despite the anger that I know everyone is feeling,” Barbie said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my husband is in the wrong place because at this moment he should be in the hospital. I won’t talk much about his current situation but all I want to say is that my husband should be provided medical attention. As a Ugandan, I do not support the brutal treatment inflicted upon journalists, Political leaders and Ugandans by the people who are supposed to provide security to us. I ask all of you to lighten up your candles as we pray for Bobi Wine as he requested,” Barbie added.
The Grapevine talked to musician Eddie Yawe, Bobi Wine’s brother and he said that Bobi is not OK because he was kicked in the abdomen where the kidney is located. Yawe also told this website that Bobi’s head and ribs are hurting.
“We need Bobi wine out so that he can get proper medical attention. I have seen him and he is not ok,” Yawe insisted. Comedian Chicco also told the Grapevine that government should stop inflicting pain on their “Mubanda”. He added that he hopes that after these prayers, God can intervene so that their colleague is released.
Kyagulanyi was arrested last week on Monday with fellow legislators Francis Zaake, Gerald Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru and Kassiano Wadri over allegations that his supporters stoned president Museveni’s convoy shattering the hind screen of one of his cars.
Bobi Wine (36), was charged by the General Court Martial that sat in Gulu of charges related to unlawful possession of fire arms and ammunition contrary to section 3(2) (a) of the Fire Arms Act 299., the MPs were charged with treason.
