Ugandan Pop Star MP Flies To US For Treatment: Lawyer
Sumaira FH Published September 01, 2018 | 03:55 PM
Kampala, Sept 1 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Sep, 2018 ) :Ugandan singer-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi has left Uganda for medical treatment in the United States following accusations he was tortured by security forces, his lawyer told AFP on Saturday.
The 36-year-old reggae star -- better known as Bobi Wine -- had spent Friday holed up in a government hospital after being re-arrested while trying to leave the country.
Kyagulanyi became an MP in 2017, firing up a youthful population and proving a thorn in the side of ageing President Yoweri Museveni.
He was charged with treason last week after protesters stoned Museveni's car during a by-election campaign.
The lawmaker's arrest sparked violent protests and international condemnation over his alleged torture.
"He left last night at around 11.OO pm aboard KLM flight for Schipol (Amsterdam) onward to United States," lawyer Nicholas Opiyo said.
"He was in the company of his wife, Barbie and brother Daks Sentamu." After being released on bail on Monday, Kyagulanyi was seized again by police on Thursday evening at Entebbe airport, outside the capital Kampala, his lawyers said.
Supporters say he was badly beaten and tortured while in army custody, during and after his arrest in the northwestern town of Arua earlier this month, and requires medical treatment abroad.
On Friday, Ugandan chief justice Bart Katureebe issued a public reminder that the constitution bans torture.
"Security forces, when you are arresting Ugandans, arrest them like human beings not animals," he said.
Kyagulanyi, who chanted lyrics about poverty and social justice, has become a lightning rod for youthful opposition to the 74-year-old president.
Museveni, who has held power since 1986, is expected to seek another term in 2021 after constitutional changes were passed last year to scrape age limits.
Wine's "age, his background and his story" make him a challenge unlike any Museveni has faced during his 32-year rule, said political analyst Rosebell Kagumire.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 19 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 19 May 2024
Football: Scottish Premiership table
'Can I kill someone?': Richard Gere's dilemma in 'Oh, Canada'
UN agency says 800,000 'forced to flee' Rafah since start of Israeli operation
CM lays foundation stone of ‘Nawaz Sharif IT city’ in Lahore
PBF recommends to simplify tax system, make businesses easier
Election for PML-N president to be held on May 28
Three Syrians missing after cargo ship sinks off Romania
Georgia president vetoes controversial 'foreign influence' law
600-kg dead meat seized, 2 arrested
Trump to rouse firearm owners at gun lobby gathering
More Stories From World
-
Expansion, anti-terrorism top priorities of this year's SCO meetings: say experts
15 minutes ago -
France says will quell New Caledonia riots 'whatever the cost'
15 minutes ago -
Salik visits Rehlat Manafea Company, reviews Hajj days' arrangements
15 minutes ago -
US forces lose strategic African position in Niger
25 minutes ago -
Blue Origin flies thrill seekers to space after two year hiatus
55 minutes ago -
US troop pullout from Niger to end by September 15: statement
1 hour ago
-
Kenya says Haiti deployment due in 'next few days, few weeks'
1 hour ago -
Fresh floods kill 66 in northern Afghanistan
1 hour ago -
Football: Italian Serie A result
1 hour ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
1 hour ago -
DR Congo thwarts Kinshasa 'coup attempt' : army
1 hour ago -
Saudi female doctor receives US patent for innovative jaw growth device
1 hour ago