A group of international artists have written a letter condemning the continued detention of fellow singer, Bobi Wine, also demanding his immediate release.
The artists who include Angelique Kidjo (New York), Femi Kuti (UK), Chris Martin (Cold Play), Brian Eno (UK), among others have signed a letter in support of Bobi Wine, and sent it to the Ugandan government.
Kyadondo East MP, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, faces charges of illegal possession of a fire arm in the military court martial. This is after SMG rifles were found in his room at Hotel Pacific in Arua, during campaigns for MP seat.
Reports from his family members and lawyers indicate that Bobi Wine was allegedly tortured by the army after his arrest. These reports were however refuted by NRM MPs who visited him last week, and President Yoweri Museveni, in a statement released late last week.
Now, a group of noteworthy musicians and music industry names has come together to sign a letter in support of Bobi Wine.
In a letter dated Tuesday August 21 2018, the artists say they strongly condemn what they termed as the arrest, imprisonment and vicious, life-threatening physical attack by Ugandan government forces on popular Ugandan singer and Member of Parliament, the Honourable Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, a.k.a Bobi Wine.
“We also condemn the unprovoked killing of his driver, Yasin Kawuma as well as the beating and arrest of three other opposition Members of Parliament.
We call upon the Ugandan government to ensure his full access to medical treatment, to allow a full and impartial investigation of his violent arrest and imprisonment and of the brutal killing of Yasin Kawuma, and to follow internationally recognized procedures and safeguards in proceeding with any case against him” they wrote.
The artists further pledged to remain vigilant about his ongoing detention and to use their voices and networks at the local, regional and international levels to raise awareness about his case, to press for his immediate and unconditional release, and for an end to this and other acts of political repression and violence in Uganda.
“We also call for the lawful and humane treatment of the more than thirty other detainees that were arrested at the same time as Bobi Wine. Some of them are also fighting for life” the artists added
