Uganda presidential candidate suspends campaign

KAMPALA, Uganda

Fearing being killed, Bobi Wine has suspended his campaign for the Ugandan presidency, he announced on Wednesday.

"With effect from today, I am suspending my campaign until further notice," he told a news conference in a village near the capital Kampala. "We are going to the electoral commission headquarters to inquire why we are being tortured by security institutions... our campaign is affected by police brutality."

Robert Kyagulanyi, a music star popularly known as Bobi Wine, made the decision after Tuesday's incident in Kayunga district, where his vehicle was attacked, its windscreen damaged, and tires flattened.

A number of his supporters, campaign team members, and a bodyguard were severely injured and moved to a hospital.

Tear gas and live bullets were fired to disperse the huge number of supporters gathered to welcome him.

Videos circulated online showed policemen pointing guns at him, and explosives being detonated meters away from his convoy.

Uganda police spokesman Fred Enanga defended the action, saying Wine had defied official traffic-related directives.

"Bobi Wine’s vehicle driver was intentionally trying to knock our officers and that is why they shot at the vehicle," he said in a statement.

Police also accused Wine and his team of not following COVID-19 prevention guidelines set by the government, which do not allow public rallies of more than 200 people.

At least 54 people were killed in protests as Wine’s supporters rioted against his Nov. 18 arrest. He was charged with violating pandemic restrictions and later granted bail till Dec. 18.

Presidential and general elections in the East African country are scheduled for Jan. 14, 2021.