Comedian Obed Lubega Reign and NUP mobiliser Habib Buwembo were arrested during National Unity Platform activities at Kitebi Primary School in Kampala, where party leaders and supporters had gathered for a football match marking Bobi Wine Day.
The arrests happened on Sunday, October 4, as NUP supporters took part in activities dedicated to party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
The football match was among activities organised for the monthly Bobi Wine Day, which NUP says is held on the first Sunday of every month to celebrate Kyagulanyi and maintain party mobilisation through activities including sports, community work, charity and prayers.
According to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, Reign, Buwembo and other supporters were arrested near the Kitebi school grounds and taken to Nateete Police Station.
Rubongoya later alleged that the group had been assaulted and pepper-sprayed during the arrests. Police had not publicly provided a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the arrests in the reports reviewed.
The group appeared at City Hall Court on Monday, October 5. However, the court proceedings did not proceed as initially expected after the detainees were examined at City Hall Clinic and referred to Lubaga Hospital for X-rays and further medical examinations.
Rubongoya said Reign, Buwembo and the other supporters were temporarily freed on medical grounds.
“Having been heavily assaulted and pepper sprayed, they’ve been temporarily freed on medical grounds after being referred by City Hall Clinic to Lubaga Hospital for X-ray and other medical examinations,” Rubongoya said.
The arrests came as NUP supporters across different parts of the country participated in the second edition of the monthly observance. Other supporters were also reportedly detained during activities elsewhere, including at a church in Wakiso.
For Reign, the incident adds a political dimension to the comedian’s growing involvement in NUP activities. The comedian, one half of the Maulana and Reign duo, has previously been associated with the party and sought its ticket to contest for Rubaga South.
The latest development leaves the circumstances surrounding the arrests, including NUP’s allegations of assault and pepper-spraying, subject to the accounts provided by the respective sides.