Bobi Visits Besigye in Luzira, Calls for Regional Unity Against Dictatorship

The National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has criticized the arrest and detention of Opposition stalwart Kizza Besigye, calling it illegal and a violation of fundamental rights.
Mr Kyagulanyi made these remarks after visiting Besigye at Luzira Prison, where he is currently being held on remand until December 2.
Kyagulanyi was accompanied by key NUP officials, including Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya, Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, and musician-turned-politician Mansur Ssemanda, alias King Saha.
The group’s visit was marked by heavy security, with journalists barred from accompanying them into the facility.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Kyagulanyi condemned Besigye’s arrest and the circumstances surrounding his detention.
He described the situation as an affront to the rule of law and criticized both Uganda and Kenya for their roles in the incident.
“He has told us that he wasn’t tortured but was pushed into a car with Obed Kamulegeya, driven from Nairobi to Malaba, and then to Kampala without anyone stamping his passport,” Kyagulanyi stated.
“This means that he is in Uganda illegally.”
Kyagulanyi expressed disappointment in Kenya’s government for allowing such an act to take place, accusing the authorities of failing to protect their sovereignty and political dissidents.
“All this happened on Kenyan soil,” he said. “It’s a shame that such acts occur in a country that was once seen as a safe haven for political dissidents. This shows that none of us is safe.”
The NUP leader also took aim at Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, accusing him of interfering in the affairs of neighboring countries.
“The dictatorship in Uganda has spilled into other countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and now Kenya,” Kyagulanyi remarked.
“You’ll also recall that Rwanda once closed its borders to Uganda because of Museveni’s character. This calls for all East Africans to fight hard to break free from dictatorship.”
Dr. Besigye was arrested in Nairobi on Sunday alongside Obed Lutale Kamulegeya and was transported to Uganda, allegedly without following due legal processes.
He is currently facing charges in the military court, a venue he has strongly opposed.
The case, led by Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
As Besigye awaits his next court appearance on December 2, Kyagulanyi’s statements underscore the growing tension between opposition leaders and the government, as well as the broader implications for governance and human rights in the region.