Comedian Obed Lubega, also known as Reign, famous for his work with the comedy duo “Maulana & Reign,” has been detained at Nateete police station for alleged misuse of social media.
The police have confirmed Reign’s arrest, stating that more details regarding the reasons for his detention will be provided soon.
“Yes, we have arrested Reign, but I don’t know whether he is still in our custody. Let me find out and get back to you,” Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson , Luke Oweyesigyire, said in a phone interview.
Reign was picked up by security forces on Tuesday morning from his home in Mutundwe, Rubaga South Division, Kampala.
Sources close to Reign suggest that his recent involvement in politics and comments regarding the anti-corruption march to Parliament could have landed the comedian in trouble.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, stated via his social media platforms that he had just checked on the comedian at the detention facility.
“They are claiming that he was inciting violence and ‘misusing social media’. He is very strong. He is being produced this morning at Mwanga II Court,” Rubongoya said.
The incident occurred on the same day when security was heightened in the Kampala Metropolitan Area to foil and quell the youth-led march to Parliament, an anti-corruption protest. Several young people attempting to march to Parliament were arrested in Kampala as anti-corruption activists began their demonstration.
While business continued as usual in most parts of the city, some protesters carried placards as they started their march to the August House.
However, a joint team of the military and police intervened, arresting numerous individuals, including former Rubaga South MP candidate and activist Habib Buwembo and comedian Samuel Okanya, alias Sammy, among others.
It was a hectic day for security personnel, who were busy patrolling Kampala streets and apprehending protesters. Earlier, police had warned that they were prepared for the protestors.
The protesters have put forward several demands, including the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and the four backbench commissioners, a reduction in the number of Ugandan MPs, and an audit into MPs’ lifestyles. They are also calling for the resignation of any MPs involved in corruption scandals and a reduction in MPs’ salaries and allowances to a maximum of Shs3 million.
Tuesday’s march was organized on social media by young Ugandans using the hashtag #StopCorruption.
Corruption is a major issue in Uganda, with several major scandals involving public officials. The country is ranked 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index.
