Bobi Wine Withdraws Rights Complaint Amid Heated Exchange

Summary:

• Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, withdrew his human rights complaint against the Uganda Police Force for obstructing his music events. He cited the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s lack of action and impartiality. The withdrawal followed a heated exchange with the commission’s chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, who accused him of disrespect.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – A contentious interaction unfolded between Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, and the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal (UHRC) as he opted to withdraw his human rights complaint on Monday.

Tensions escalated when Kyagulanyi was afforded the opportunity to address the tribunal, presided over by Mariam Wangadya, regarding his complaint lodged on November 9, 2018, alleging harassment and obstruction of his music performances by state authorities in Uganda.

Expressing his disillusionment with the commission’s lack of action against the alleged perpetrators, Kyagulanyi criticized the leadership for seemingly blaming the victims. “To our dismay, we have witnessed not only a lack of response from this commission against the wrongdoers but also heard public statements from its leadership, not only ridiculing the victims but also laying blame solely on them,” he remarked.

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However, his remarks were swiftly interrupted by Chairperson Wangadya, who accused him of disrespecting the commission. “Excuse me, if that’s your personal stance, it constitutes an assault on the commission. You’re at liberty to retract your complaint. We won’t tolerate disrespect towards this commission. You’re represented, you can convey your message through your legal representatives. I won’t permit you to accuse this commission of human rights violations. You won’t speak. Where is security?” Wangadya rebuked Kyagulanyi as the verbal exchange persisted.

In response, Kyagulanyi retorted, “But Madam Chairperson, you yourself have belittled the victims and the disappeared individuals. I hereby withdraw my complaint from this commission due to its lack of impartiality and independence. This commission is meant to uphold human rights and aid people.”

Kyagulanyi’s formal complaint, which was subsequently withdrawn, had accused the Uganda Police Force of infringing upon his rights by obstructing his music events. In a letter dated December 10, 2018, addressed to UHRC, he detailed how the police prevented him from staging a concert at Mandela National Stadium Nambole in September, citing alleged failure to secure the venue, a claim he disputed.

Furthermore, the complaint highlighted an incident in Gulu District at Smiling Panda on December 2, 2018, where despite meeting all requirements, the police, purportedly acting on orders from higher authorities, blocked access to the event. The letter underscored the financial losses incurred due to these disruptions, encompassing venue rental, advertising, sound system rental, and staff payments, which Kyagulanyi had anticipated recovering had the shows not been thwarted by law enforcement.

isma@examiner.co.ug