Ugandan presidential hopeful Bobi Wine denounces government ban of his ‘red beret’ symbol

KAMPALA (Reuters) – Ugandan pop star and presidential hopeful
Bobi Wine has denounced the government’s banning of civilian use of
red berets, a symbol of his “People Power” movement that he hopes
to use to oust longtime President Yoweri Museveni.

The government this month gazetted the red beret and other
pieces of military wear as “property of the state.” It warned
people who wear or sell them that they would be prosecuted under
military law, which can lead to a life sentence.

“This beret ban is a sham. It is a blatant attempt to suffocate
a successful threat to the autocratic status quo,” Wine, 37, said
in a statement.

“But People Power is more than a red beret, we are bigger than
our symbol. We are a booming political movement fighting for the
future of Uganda and we will continue our struggle for democracy,”
the statement said.

Since he became a legislator in 2017, Bobi Wine, whose real name
is Robert Kyagulanyi, has rattled Ugandan authorities who see him
as a formidable threat to end Museveni’s more than three decades in
power.

Wine has amassed a large support base especially among young
Ugandans who have been wooed by his bold criticism of Museveni,
sometimes delivered in his lyrics.

Authorities have responded by clamping down on his supporters,
jailing some. Wine’s rallies have been broken up with tear gas and
live rounds.

Last year he was beaten as he campaigned in a parliamentary
by-election and had to seek treatment in the United States.

Uganda’s next presidential elections are due to be held early
2021. Museveni, president since 1986, is widely expected to stand.
While Museveni has not officially declared his intention to run for
re-election but top organs of his ruling National Resistance
Movement (NRM) party have endorsed him as their flagbearer.

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FG Assures Nigerians of Uninterrupted Power Supply-Jedy
Agba
The Minister of State Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy- Agba (OFR) has
reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to develop the power
sector.

Speaking on Monday when the Royal Norwegian Ambassador, Jens –
Peter Kjemprud paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Agba said
Norway has great potentials in the power sector that is beneficial
to Nigeria, and can help in the developmental process of the
country’s electricity industry, pointing out that the policy
direction of the present administration is targeted at revamping
the electricity sector and increase power supply to Nigerians.

The Minister further stated that the visit afforded them the
opportunity to explore areas of mutual benefits and create room for
investors to come into the Nigerian electricity market.

On his part, the Royal Norwegian Ambassador said they have
comparative advantage in hydro, as such, they are looking for
opportunities to share their experiences and give necessary support
to other countries. “We have a long history of generating power
electricity. In fact we do 99 percent from hydro power. Norway is a
highly industrial nation. And we built our industries from the fact
that we first of all looked at our hydro power sector to supply the
industries with cheap, efficient and stable power”.

Speaking further, he said ‘Nigeria has huge internal market and
huge possibility of expanding its industries”, just as he pledged
his country’s willingness to support Nigeria in developing and
strengthening the country’s power sector.

Etore E. Thomas

DD(Press)