National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine has eulogized Ugandans that were killed during ‘Free Bobi Wine’ protests in the country, calling on government to stop provocations.
Speaking following his release from Nalufenya, Bobi Wine claimed incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni was provoking the country into violence so that government can portray NUP supporters as violent people who do not wish the country well.
‘’We condemn tribalism and strongly believe in unity. We all come from different walks of life and we all believe in the same thing. Our party is called National Unit Platform because it is meant to unite us all. We are also non-violent,’’ said Bobi Wine at the party headquarters in Kamwokya while praying for people who lost their lives during protests.
Atleast 37 people were confirmed dead following protests against the arrest of the NUP presidential candidate on November 18 during his campaign rally in Luuka District.
NUP supporters in the capital Kampala and other urban areas protested the arrest, demanding his release while blocking roads.
A team of security forces led by Police, Army and other plain cloth security operatives opened fire and teargas on protestors who had hit the streets.
After his release on November 20, Bobi Wine held special prayers for those who lost their lives and offered his condolences to their relatives.
He urged his supporters not to give up the struggle despite the risks of torture and death.
‘’They cannot kill us all. President Museveni can torture and break our bones but he can not break our spirit,’’ he said
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi announced that the NUP campaign program would resume on November 23 in Fort Portal.
Ssenyonyi urged security forces to stop using ‘unnecessary’ force.
“We are not violent people. The state has done everything they can to paint a picture that we are violent but we shall not take that route,” he said.
