Controversy hit Kampala on Tuesday when Nubian Li, the singing partner of opposition leader Bobi Wine, was seen being pushed into a vehicle shortly after being nominated for the Nakawa mayoral position. Early reports from National Unity Platform (NUP) officials claimed that police had arrested him, raising fears of yet another crackdown on opposition leaders.
Nubian Li, whose real name is Ali Bukeni, had just left the Electoral Commission office in Ntinda after completing his official nomination. Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of Opposition in Parliament, quickly shared that Nubian Li had been forced into a police truck and taken to an unknown location, causing alarm among supporters who feared for his safety.
However, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire clarified that Nubian Li was not arrested. Instead, the police escorted him safely to his home. The authorities explained that their action was meant to prevent possible chaos on the roads during the nomination process.
Owoyesigyire further explained that the police had received information that Nubian Li and his supporters were planning a procession involving vehicles and boda bodas from the nomination center. The route would have passed through busy areas of Kampala, which could have caused traffic problems and unsafe situations for the public.
The police emphasized that their intervention was purely precautionary. “We acted to protect both the nominee and the general public,” Owoyesigyire said. The goal was to ensure no accidents or disturbances occurred during what could have been a large political procession.
Many NUP supporters had feared that this was part of a larger pattern of harassment against opposition figures, especially after recent arrests and abductions of party members. The police clarification reassures the public that Nubian Li’s nomination process was not being blocked.
As of now, Nubian Li remains the official NUP flagbearer for Nakawa mayor, and no further action has been taken against him. Supporters and the general public are now hoping for a peaceful and orderly campaign period ahead, as tensions settle after the confusion.
