A wave of confusion spread in Kampala on Tuesday after Nubian Li, the singing partner of opposition leader Bobi Wine, was seen being pushed into a vehicle following his nomination for the Nakawa mayoral position. Early reports from National Unity Platform (NUP) officials claimed he had been arrested, causing worry among supporters about a possible crackdown on the party.
Nubian Li, whose real name is Ali Bukeni, had just finished his nomination at the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda. Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of Opposition in Parliament, quickly shared that Nubian Li had been pushed into a police truck and taken to an unknown place, alarming many who feared for his safety.
However, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire clarified that Nubian Li was not under arrest. Instead, the police had safely escorted him to his home. The authorities said the move was meant to prevent any chaos on the busy city roads during the nomination process.
Owoyesigyire explained that police had received information that Nubian Li and his supporters planned a procession involving vehicles and boda bodas. The route was set to go through crowded areas, which could have caused traffic jams and unsafe situations for the public.
The police said their action was purely a precaution to ensure safety. “We acted to protect both the nominee and the general public,” Owoyesigyire said, stressing that no one was being targeted or harassed.
Many NUP supporters feared the incident was part of ongoing intimidation against opposition figures, especially after recent arrests and abductions of party members. The police clarification reassured the public that Nubian Li’s nomination was proceeding without obstruction.
Currently, Nubian Li remains the official NUP flagbearer for Nakawa mayor. No further actions have been reported, and supporters are now hoping for a peaceful and orderly campaign period ahead as the nomination drama settles.
