Opposition politician vows to keep fighting for change in Uganda despite his recent arrest.
Uganda’s opposition politician Bobi Wine has objected to a recent supreme court hearing that lifts the presidential age limit, days after his release from custody.
Uganda’s top court ruled last month to uphold a constitutional amendment to remove an age limit that had previously barred anyone over 75 from seeking the nation’s highest office.
Condemning the move as a huge political setback, Wine told Al Jazeera: “The Supreme Court endorsed a life presidency. That shows the depth of entrenchment of the dictatorship.”
The popular musician-turned-politician has sought to unseat President Yoweri Museveni, 74 and in power since 1986. The ruling will allow Museveni to stand in the next presidential election in 2021.
Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was freed on bail on Thursday after spending three nights in jail on charges of staging unlawful protests.
His music is often critical of Museveni, and as his following has grown, he has faced increased obstacles to appearing in public. Last month he was prevented from holding a concert and was arrested after trying to get to the venue.
Bail conditions forbid the singer from participating in “illegal demonstrations”.
But since his release he has vowed to continue to protest against the government along with his support base of young Ugandans, many of whom are poor, frustrated and have struggled to find jobs.
“We are lucky we are living in a generation where our mouths cannot be shut. We shall speak the truth and use the law as it is to stand for our rights,” said Wine.
Wine believes the government has tried to silence him because of his popularity and out of fear of an uprising.
