Ugandan Govt. Bans Kenyan Legislator, Babu Owino from Entering Uganda

The government of Uganda has released a statement banning Kenyan Legislator representing Embakassi East, Babu Owino from stepping foot in Uganda. 

According to the statement, Babu Owino is regarded as a threat to the government of Uganda. One major reason behind the ban is Babu Owino's recent associations with Ugandan's opposition MP and popular critic of Yoweri Museveni government, Bobi Wine.

Both Bobi Wine and Babu Owino appeared on a live show - the JKL show, where they discussed about political issues around Africa and how older leaders who have refused to leave office undermine the continent and is a serious disadvantage to the election of younger leaders which the continent needs.

During the show, Babu Owino did not hide his admiration for Bobi Wine's revolutionary approach and openly compared himself with his Ugandan counterpart whom he said he was willing to support.

In the statement, the Ugandan government said:

“Our attention is drawn to the joint subversive activities of Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine and his Kenyan counterpart Babu Owino to undermine the legitimately elected government of the Republic of Uganda. Any person found aiding or abetting the violation of this directive will be in contravention of a legal order and will be liable for prosecution.”

Another reason behind the decision is Bobi Wine's continued public association with Babu Owino. 

Bobi Wine who is a strong opposition to Yoweri Museveni's government and the brain behind the 'People-power Revolution' joined Babu at a rally in Nairobi, Kenya recently to launch the ‘Youth for Africa’ movement and appeared on several TV interviews.

The Ugandan government, referring to the interviews and campaign said:

“The duo uttered inflammatory and seditious words against the democratic and legitimate rule of President Yoweri Museveni.”

The persona non grata passed on Babu Owino by the Ugandan government has been opposed by many critics who claim that it is wrong for the government of an African country to ban another African due to his personal ties with an opposition leader.

Reactions have continued to pour in since the ban was announced.

We will keep you updated as more unfolds.