Bobi Wine, the Ugandan pop star who has since turned to an opposition politician has said he will return home on Thursday to prove that the “power of the people is greater than the people in power”.His beating by soldiers last month prompted mass protests for his release.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, will fly from the US, where he has received medical treatment.
“If I think about the dangers that face me, it is crazy to go back. But I want to be home. There are 40 million people who need hope so I will go and meet them no matter what,” Wine said
The return of Wine will rattle authorities in Uganda.
The former reggae singer, who was elected to parliament last year, has emerged as a powerful voice with his calls for young people in the east African country to stand up and take over from a “failed leadership”.
Wine was detained after the motorcade of Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, was stoned in Arua, a northern town, during campaigning for by-elections last month.
The 36-year-old was badly beaten, kept in a military barracks without proper medical attention and then produced in court to face treason charges. His driver was shot dead.
Wine called on his supporters to “protest, vote and reach out” but remain within the bounds of the law.
“My message to [my supporters] is that this is not about Bobi Wine, it is about everybody,” Wine said. “Protest, voting, reaching out are all constitutional. Mr Museveni should understand that there is nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come … 80% of Ugandans have never known another leader. The writing is on the wall.”
Uganda’s population is one of the youngest in the world, with more than two-thirds under 24.
On his Twitter feed, Wine says he is “one ghetto child who has something to say through music”. Many of his songs deal with social and political issues, calling for ordinary young people to act to improve their lives and their country.
I am a free Ugandan with the right to move freely in my country. The police has no business telling me who receives me and who cannot or where I go and where I cannot. This impunity must stop now.
Wama see you friends tomorrow.#PeoplePower_OurPower ✊— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) September 19, 2018
Authorities in Uganda have denied the assault allegations and accused Wine of being funded by overseas organisations. He said such charges were an “insult”.
Analysts say it is likely the authorities in Uganda did not expect him to return when they allowed him to fly to the US.
Demonstrations following Wine’s detention were repressed by riot police and other security forces. Three people died and around 100 were arrested.
Wine called on the international community to “stand up for the standards they preach”.
Next month Wine is due to face trial for treason. A guilty verdict could result in a death penalty. His medical condition has improved, though he still needs a stick to walk.
“Honestly I am afraid. My family is frightened. My wife is frightened. My people are frightened. They have done terrible things to me and I know they still can,” he said.