Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has hit at President Yoweri Museveni over a travel ban to Uganda for Bobi Wine’s Kyarenga Concert.
Last week, internal affairs minister Jeje Odongo wrote to Monica Juma, Kenya’s foreign affairs cabinet secretary, concerning Owino’s ban.
“Our attention is drawn to the joint subversive activities of Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine and his Kenyan counterpart Babu Owino to undermine the legitimately elected government of the Republic of Uganda,” Odongo wrote to Juma.
“The purpose of this letter is to make it known that Honorable Babu Owino is officially declared as persona non grata within the borders of Uganda and will not be permitted entry without special clearance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
Uganda further explained why Owino was not welcome in Uganda.
“During Bobi Wine’s visit to Kenya last month, Babu hosted Wine in a number of functions and events. The duo uttered inflammatory and seditious words against the democratic and legitimate rule of President Yoweri Museveni.”
At the weekend, Owino missed Bobi Wine’s Kyarenga concert at Busabala Beach.
He has since spoken out on his travel ban
STATEMENT BY BABU OWINO ON UGANDA TRAVEL BAN: I WILL NOT BE SILENCED!
I am in receipt of official communication from the Minister for Internal Affairs for Uganda General Haji Abubakar [Jeje Odongo] seeking to ban my travel to Uganda without special clearance from his office.
This draconian veto came just ahead of my planned trip to Kampala to attend the Kyarenga [Concert].
It is a backward and authoritarian response to my unequivocal support for Honorable Robert Kyagulanyi and the young people of Uganda against the tyranny of President Yoweri Museveni.
Honorable Bobi Wine and I remain brothers in ideology and no amount of intimidation will stop us from working together to liberate the people of Africa!
I wish to categorically state that General Haji’s ban will not deter me from agitating for greater democratic space in Uganda, Kenya and indeed, the entire continent.
I will not falter in my pursuit for respect for human rights and the meaningful involvement of the youth in our nations’ affairs.
The arc of the moral universe may be long but it always bends towards justice.Preside
nt Museveni must know that nothing lasts forever. He has overstayed his welcome and soon, the popular wishes of the Ugandan people will outweigh his use of force and violence.
I urge the youth in Uganda not to be discouraged from this minor set back,I will come to Uganda whether the guy is alive or dead.We will overcome!
Signed and dated,
Comrade Babu Owino,
MP, Embakasi East and Leader, Youth For Africa Movement.
Sunday, November 11, 2018.
Owino’s Twitter followers responded disparately:
“You like unnecessary attention.” @Jakadibo100
“You should know people.” @giddy_mwaniks
“How can u purport to stand for human rights in Uganda while in Kenya u are working with Kenyatta and Raila Odinga who murdered 500 Kenyans in the run up to their fake handshake. There is nothing about human rights. Just necessary inconveniences.” @babaelinyo
“Kenya comes first Uganda should not occupy your brain as such.” @CharlesManwar
