Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The United Kingdom (UK) government has lifted a travel ban on Ugandan artist and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, which had been in place for over a decade. The ban was initially imposed due to allegations that Bobi Wine’s song ‘Burn Dem,’ released in 2014, incited homophobic attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.
Bobi Wine shared the news of the lifted travel ban on his X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing his happiness and announcing his intention to visit the UK. He thanked his legal team in the UK and supporters in the diaspora for their efforts in ending the travel restrictions.
In his statement, Bobi Wine pointed out the perceived unfairness of allowing individuals like President Yoweri Museveni to enter the UK while restricting his own entry. He emphasized that he and others are striving to build a free and democratic Uganda.
The controversial song that led to the travel ban was briefly available on YouTube before being taken down 24 hours later.
Bobi Wine has been traveling around the world to promote his new film, ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President,’ which documents human rights violations in Uganda and his journey from a musician known as the “Ghetto President” to becoming a prominent opposition leader.
The news of the travel ban’s removal received numerous congratulatory messages from Bobi Wine’s supporters and social media followers, including those in the UK who are looking forward to his visit after a decade of restrictions.
I want to appreciate our legal team in the UK for the relentless fight and our NUP/People Power diaspora comrades for constantly raising our voice through protests as well as knocking on different doors. Their main argument has been that it is unfair to open their doors for Gen.…
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) November 5, 2023
