We don’t need your permission: Bobi Wine sends clear message to security agencies ahead of protests

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has told security agencies Ugandans do not need their permission to engage in peaceful protests.

On March 09, Bobi Wine urged his supporters to engage in peaceful protests.

The singer-turned-politician claims he won the January 14 election with 54 per cent of the total votes cast.

But the ruling government has punched holes in the authenticity of the declaration of results (DR forms) Bobi Wine has based on to claim he won.

Official Electoral Commission (EC) results indicate Bobi Wine lost to incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni.

Museveni got 58 per cent while Bobi managed 35 per cent of about 10 million votes.

Security has been beefed up around the capital Kampala and major cities to block protesters.

Security agencies have warned against the protests.

Previous protests, in November 2020, claimed over 50 lives, according to official police figures.

When Bobi Wine appeared at Parliament for the first time in four months, he told reporters security agencies and Ugandans should remember that no permission is required for one to enjoy one’s rights.

“Ugandans do not require permission to enjoy their rights and freedoms. The right to protest was granted by God and is protected by the Constitution,” said Bobi Wine.

Article 29(d) provides for “freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to
petition.”

But article 43 puts a limitation on this and other rights, thus “in the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed in this Chapter, no person shall prejudice the fundamental or other human rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.”