Live bullets, tear gas rock Mbale, Soroti as protestors demand for Bobi Wine’s release

Protests have broken out in the upcountry towns, after police arrested Bobi Wine, a musician and opposition politician who is seeking the presidency in next year’s election.

Bobi Wine’s supporters blocked roads and burned tires, prompting police to fire tear gas and live bullets to disperse the protesters.

They are demanding for the immediate release of the National Unity Platform – NUP leader.

Kampala Metropolitan police spokesman Patrick Onyango said they would soon issue a statement.

In Kampala, it was “total chaos” as the chairman of the Kampala City Traders Association, Evarest Kayongo said that; “The streets are empty … We have closed business because of tear gas and bullets,” he said.

The protests started after Bobi Wine was arrested Luuka district and taken to Nalufenya police station in the city of Jinja.

Bobi Wine, who has been arrested many times in recent years, has captured the imagination of many Ugandans with his persistent calls for President Yoweri Museveni to retire after 36 years in power.