This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
On January 6, 2020, police in Uganda arrested People Power movement leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and several leaders of the group.
Wine, the Kyadondo East MP, had organized a consultative meeting at Our Lady of Good Counsel Secondary School in Gayaza, Kyadondo East, as part of his nationwide consultation phase ahead of the 2021 general elections.
However, police fired teargas and live bullets to disrupt the meeting, and riot police officers blocked people from accessing the venue.
According to Kasangati Mayor Tony Sempebwa Kiyimba, he was disappointed that police could block a lawful meeting.
Wine had cited Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Act, which provides that an aspiring presidential candidate can write to the Electoral Commission and go around the country consulting citizens about their intentions.
Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Act 2005 states: 'An aspirant may consult in preparation for his or her nomination as a presidential candidate within 12 months before nomination date.'
Uganda's police spokesman Fred Enanga said they had received Wine's letter and would check if he had fulfilled the requirements of the Public Order Management Act.
