NUP’s Nubian Li Arrested Moments After Mayoral Nomination in Ntinda
KAMPALA – In a dramatic scene that has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition supporters, prominent artist and National Unity Platform (NUP) figure Ali Buken, popularly known as Nubian Li, was forcibly arrested by police immediately after being nominated to run for Nakawa Division Mayor.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon outside the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda. Buken had just successfully completed the nomination process to contest in the upcoming local government elections when he was apprehended.
Eyewitnesses report that as he exited the building, he was surrounded by police officers who pushed him into a waiting police truck and drove him to an unknown location.
The arrest has sparked immediate outrage from NUP officials and supporters, who have labeled it the latest example of a targeted campaign of intimidation against their party.
In a statement on social media, the party accused the government of acting out of fear. “The fear of the regime is evident!” the statement read, adding, “Comrade @NubianBukenAli is the latest victim of the latest wave of arrests and abductions of @NUP_Ug leaders and supporters… The impunity continues.”
Nubian Li is a well-known member of the Fire Base Crew and a close associate of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine. His arrest is seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the opposition and state security forces.
As of the time of publishing, the Uganda Police Force has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest or specified the charges, if any, against Mr. Buken. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
