Uganda briefly detains opposition figure and foils planned street demonstration, his supporters say

KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan security forces on Thursday briefly detained opposition figure Bobi Wine and foiled a planned street demonstration by his supporters who intended to welcome him at the airport.

Wine, a singer and former lawmaker whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was driven under police escort to his home outside Kampala after his arrival from a trip abroad, police said.

Wine's political party said he had been unlawfully detained at the airport, and Wine later told reporters inside his gated home that he was effectively under house arrest.

“As we speak right now I am under house arrest," he said. “Because my house is surrounded. Soldiers and police are all over.”

Police in a statement denied Wine was under arrest, saying he was at home “with family and friends.”

Ugandan police frequently detain opposition figures in “preventive arrest” measures they say are necessary to preserve public order.

Opposition rallies are rarely allowed in the East African country.

Wine ran for president in 2021, losing to President Yoweri Museveni in an election he claimed was rigged against him. Museveni has held power since 1986.