United States of America Embassy in Kampala on Tuesday released a statement castigating government of Uganda over blocking legislator Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine from holding his musical concert.
In the brief statement, the embassy called for the government of Uganda to respect freedom of assembly and expression as enshrined in the constitution.
“Today we join the many Ugandans asking why their government has recently blocked musical concerts and radio talk shows, disrupted peaceful demonstrations and rallies, and deployed heavy-handed security forces against peaceful citizens”, part of the statement read.
“Strong leaders and states do not stifle speech – they allow their citizens to participate fully and without fear in a vibrant multi-party democracy”.
In response, government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo noted that while Uganda respects the rule of law, it also expects all leaders to abide by the standards and cooperate with law enforcement officers.
According to Ofwono, all Ugandan artists with the exception of the Kyadondo East legislator, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine are enjoying freedom of performance.
“Save for one artiste, all artistes in Uganda enjoys freedom of performance and the media platforms are as free. Equally all politicians enjoy free access to these media platforms,” he said.
According to Ofwono, all leaders are expected to respect standards set by security agencies. Bobi Wine clashed with police after his Monday Easter extra Kyarenga concert was cancelled by police.
Asuman Mugenyi, the Director of Operation Uganda Police Force argued that Kyagulanyi’s previous music concerts held at his One Love Beach fell short of security guidelines.
Mugenyi further claimed that Bobi Wine shows have severally turned into a public nuisance, violated traffic rules and regulations and caused other misconducts, which don’t only breach the law but endanger the lives of other people who are not even part of his music events.
