Frank Gashumba, a sworn critic of President Yoweri Museveni has said Bobi Wine should be ready to pay the price that comes with being a threat to Museveni’s stay in power.
Gashumba says the blocking of concerts involving opposition politician, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine is part of the strategies by the current government to frustrate the singer for his criticism towards Museveni. He advised Bobi Wine to prepare for the worst since the struggle he has taken on is no easy one.
“They can do anything with their guns to frustrate you, to make you broke, and to break your spirit. When you come in this struggle, you must understand that they can even house arrest you for long! Yes, the struggle has its own prices and In order to remain resolute you will have to pay them,” Gashumba wrote on his social media.
His comments come two days after Bobi Wine’s concert which was scheduled to take place on Boxing Day at One Love Beach was stopped by Police. The incident was the latest in a series of many other of Bobi Wine’s music shows which have been cancelled by Police at the last minute, on claims that he hadn’t complied with the procedures stipulated in the Public Order Management Act.
However, many say the conduct by Police is political and only hidden under the guise of the law.
Bobi Wine who doubles as the legislator for Kyadondo East has become the latest formidable critic of Museveni. His arrest in August won him sympathy both locally and internationally, with some viewing him as a potential challenger of Museveni for Presidency.
Gashumba says “to some of us that have struggled for almost our entire life, we know how brutal they can get to remain in power”.
“Not long ago, they froze all the bank accounts that had my name in this country. Why? They believed that the organization I work for was organizing an uprising and also was giving Dr. Kizza Besigye money,” he said.
“Mr Museveni will not leave you to interact with the people as you continue telling them that he has to leave power, he loves power and does everything in his power to protect it from anyone everyday”.
He cited the recent ban placed on FDC rallies in Western Uganda which he says is indicative of how far government is willing to go to suppress dissent.
“Can he stop Bobi Wine’s concerts? Yes he can! Can he make him broke? Yes he can even slap taxes to just frustrate him. In choosing to join the struggle, you must weigh through what they can do! Why? Because this struggle is not a joke but full time job for fearless and yet strong men and women,” Gashumba added.
Gashumba also took a swipe at Ugandans whom he accuses of pointing fingers at ‘failed’ politicians yet taking a back seat in the political struggle.
“This struggle is not a movie that the few act and the majority enjoy in the audience! If that is how Ugandans take this struggle, then we should give up and do other things,” he said.
Alluding to recent statements made by Security Minister, Gen Elly Tumwine, Gashumba said that such comments are telling of the resolve by the State to clamp down on the political opposition.
While making a submission in response to complaints raised by Bobi Wine on his frustrated music shows, Gen Tumwine blamed the singer for mixing his music career with politics. He likened the blocking by Police of Bobi Wine’s concerts to occupational hazzards.
The General also said he had warned him against mixing his two personalities (singer and politician).
