The acting Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, has dismissed allegations that security agencies plan to arrest National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, ahead of elections.
“This is certainly a smoke screen. What is NUP and their leader planning by coming up with this type of empty talk? The timing? We are watching closely whatever the machinations might be, and we will be ready to take appropriate action if needed” Magezi posted on X on Friday.
Col Magezi further asserted that the interagency security services have no plans to arrest Bobi Wine unless he breaks the law.
Col Magezi was responding to earlier comments from Kyagulanyi that the country’s security circles were plotting to arrest him before polling day drawing comparisons with the November 2020 unrest that followed his arrest in Luuka District during the previous election cycle, when dozens of people were killed, according to rights groups.
“URGENT: I’ve learnt from security circles of a plot by the desperate regime to have me arrested before polling day in order to create a pre-emptive massacre akin to what they did in November 2020” he posted.
According to Bobi Wine, this would enable security agencies to carry out massive arrests and abductions and get justification to deploy the military in every spot.
“Among other plans, is for that brutal police officer called Bravo to provoke a confrontation in Mbale City or the neighbouring districts so that they get the justification. The other plan is to deploy goons, dress them in our Party colors, and project us as violent. We urge our people to remain peaceful and non-violent BUT VERY ASSERTIVE” Bobi Wine posted earlier on Friday.
