Shockwaves hit the political and entertainment scenes in Uganda after the sudden arrest of Bobi Wine’s brothers — renowned artists Mikie Wine and Dax Vibez — during their visit to Jinja City over the weekend. For hours, their whereabouts remained unclear, fueling speculation and panic among supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
According to reliable sources, the two were picked up by plain-clothed security operatives on Saturday evening while heading to a private youth empowerment event organized by local NUP coordinators. The event, scheduled to take place in Walukuba, was aimed at engaging youth on matters of employment, civic participation, and music entrepreneurship.
The secret behind their arrest, according to police insiders, stemmed from allegations that the duo had reportedly held an “unauthorized political gathering disguised as a music outreach.” Authorities accused them of mobilizing youths under the guise of entertainment while allegedly promoting what security forces described as “subversive messages” against the government.
Elgon Region Police Spokesperson, Rogers Taitika, confirmed the arrest late Sunday, stating that the duo was detained for “holding an illegal assembly and inciting public disorder.” He added that investigations are underway to determine if they violated the Public Order Management Act.
However, supporters and opposition politicians argue that the arrests were politically motivated, especially given the brothers’ familial ties to opposition leader Bobi Wine and their open support for the NUP cause.
NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, condemned the arrests as “a clear tactic to intimidate, frustrate, and suppress voices of change.” He called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mikie Wine and Dax Vibez, warning that the continued persecution of opposition figures would only deepen public mistrust in the ruling regime.
Witnesses at the scene claimed the duo was peaceful and unarmed at the time of arrest, and that the event had no elements of provocation. “They were just talking to the youth about staying focused, avoiding crime, and following their dreams. Suddenly, police came and everything turned chaotic,” said one attendee.
As of Monday morning, the two remain in custody at Jinja Central Police Station. Their legal team, led by counsel Shamim Malende, has reportedly filed for their release on bond.
The arrest has sparked outrage across social media, with #FreeMikieWine and #FreeDaxVibez trending as fans and fellow artists demand justice.
More details are expected as the legal proceedings unfold and pressure mounts on authorities to explain what many see as yet another targeted crackdown on the opposition
