Nubian Li Arrested Moments After Nakawa Mayoral Nomination

Nubian Li, long-time singing partner of opposition leader Bobi Wine, was arrested shortly after being nominated to contest for the Nakawa mayoral seat—a move the National Unity Platform (NUP) says is part of a growing crackdown on its members.

Real name Ali Bukeni, Nubian Li has performed alongside Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi) for nearly two decades. Beyond music, he’s also one of Bobi Wine’s most trusted allies within the NUP, Uganda’s leading opposition party.

Party officials confirmed the arrest, which happened almost immediately after his nomination. NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya described the move as part of a broader pattern of intimidation.

“Nubian Li was the latest victim of the latest wave of arrests and abductions of NUP leaders and supporters,” said Rubongoya. “He was picked up outside the EC offices, right after his nomination”—a development he says highlights how “the impunity continues.”

Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and MP for Nakawa West, said Nubian Li was “pushed into a police truck and taken to an unknown location.”

“The fear of the regime is evident, let’s press on!” Ssenyonyi added defiantly.

This arrest comes just a day after the NUP deputy spokesperson was also abducted, as President Museveni’s government appears to be intensifying its clampdown on the opposition party’s growing political momentum.