UK lifts Bobi Wine's visa ban after 9 years

Zamzam Jama
By Zamzam Jama November 06, 2023 02:41 (EAT)
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UK lifts Bobi Wine's visa ban after 9 years

Ugandan musician turned politician, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, attends a news conference at his home in Kasangati, Kampala, Uganda July 24, 2019. REUTERS/James Akena/File Photo

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The United Kingdom has officially lifted the nearly decade-long ban on Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP). 

Wine shared the development in a statement posted on X, on November 6. 

He expressed gratitude for the decision, emphasizing the inequality of welcoming Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whom he considers a tyrant, while excluding him and others striving for a free and democratic Uganda.

"I am very glad to inform you that the ban against me from entering the UK has finally been overturned, and I will soon be visiting the UK after more than 10 years," Wine's statement read. 

He also acknowledged the unwavering efforts of his legal team in the UK and praised the NUP and People Power Diaspora supporters for their vocal protests.

The ban on Bobi Wine's entry into the UK stemmed from accusations made in 2014 by gay rights campaigners, who claimed that his song lyrics in "Burn Dem" incited homophobic attacks. 

As a result, the Home Office had prohibited the singer-turned-politician from entering England for almost a decade.

The post by Wine who rose to prominence through socially-conscious songs addressing critical issues faced by the people, has since been flooded with congratulatory messages from his supporters.

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