Kyadondo East Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine at a past press conference.PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
Kyadondo East Member of Parliament (MP), Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has said preparations for his return from the U.S, where he travelled for specialized treatment following his alleged torture by security personnel last month, are complete.
In a video recording shared on social media on Tuesday, Mr Kyagulanyi said he is returning to Uganda to continue with the struggle to have what he described as ‘a better country.’ In a veiled reference to government and state operatives, he said that he has received reports that People Power-branded T shirts have been made by his enemies who plan to distribute them to criminals.
Bobi Wine argued that this is in a bid to make People Power supporters look violent and unruly as the ‘criminals’ have been paid to throw stones and cause chaos around Kampala upon the MP’s return.
“I know they will plant many criminals among us to throw stones and they respond to us with bullets. I also have information that they have printed many red T-shirts with the word ‘People Power’ so that they can send out those criminals to cause chaos and later on blame it on us. But I know that you know how to deal with criminals,” Bobi Wine said.
He further asserted that the supporters of People Power are not a violent lot as portrayed by the government.
“I also want to make it clear that we are not a violent group. We despise violence and we are not associated with violence. I have been telling you right from the beginning that we should be peaceful but assertive. I know president Museveni and his lieutenants have tried so much to project us a violent group so that they can respond to us with violence. They have tried to twist everything we say to make it sound like a call for violence.”
However, government on Monday said Bobi Wine was free to return but should not make it an issue.
“We don’t consider Bobi Wine’s absence as a much ado. We shall provide, as a government, the usual security and protection guarantees that we provide for all travelers and leaders of his level and if need be to be escorted to his destination. But he should not make his return an issue. By attempting to make it an issue it would appear as if government of Uganda sent him away and is afraid of him returning. His citizenship and rights here are not contested,” government spokesperson Mr Ofwono Opondo told journalists in Kampala on Monday.
