“There Was Never Anything Like Arresting Nubian Li, We Only Escorted Him To His Home To Ensure His Safety” Police Breaks Silence

Tension flared on Tuesday after Nubian Li, the longtime singing partner of opposition leader Bobi Wine, was dramatically bundled into a vehicle moments after his nomination for the Nakawa mayoral seat. Early reports from National Unity Platform (NUP) officials suggested he had been arrested, heightening fears of yet another crackdown on opposition figures.

Nubian Li, whose real name is Ali Bukeni, had just left the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda where he had been formally cleared to contest. Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi quickly posted that police had whisked him away in a truck to an undisclosed location, sparking alarm and speculation among supporters both online and on the ground.

But Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire later moved to calm the storm. He clarified that Nubian Li had not been arrested but was instead escorted home under police protection. The move, he explained, was not punitive but preventative.

Owoyesigyire revealed that security agencies had received intelligence indicating that Nubian Li’s team was planning a celebratory procession with vehicles and boda bodas. The route was expected to snake through busy parts of Kampala, raising concerns about congestion and public safety.

According to the police, their swift intervention was intended to minimize risks of accidents and traffic disruption. “We acted to protect both the nominee and the general public,” Owoyesigyire stressed, insisting that the measure was precautionary and not meant to frustrate the candidate’s campaign.

Nonetheless, the incident fueled suspicions among NUP supporters, many of whom saw it as a continuation of the intimidation and harassment faced by opposition leaders. With memories of previous arrests and abductions still fresh, the episode was viewed by critics as another attempt to curtail the party’s political momentum.

For now, Nubian Li remains confirmed as NUP’s official flagbearer for Nakawa mayor. No further action has been taken against him, but both party loyalists and the public remain watchful. Many are now calling for calm and hoping that the election season will proceed without further confrontations between the opposition and security forces.