Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has openly reprimanded Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino over his involvement with his country’s affairs.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid, Museveni disclosed that various intelligence reports have placed Babu Owino at the centre of calls opposing the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Museveni accused the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elected MP of inciting chaos in Uganda.
While assuring Raila of his support for the AUC chairmanship, Museveni insisted that Babu Owino is among the leaders within his circle who are not fully aware of what they are doing.
“I am a consumer of intelligence services, and some individuals in Raila Odinga’s group who don’t know what they are doing.
“There is a character named Babu Owino who is involved with anti-NRM to incite chaos in Uganda,” Museveni stated.
Museveni further went on to say that despite knowing this, he has never accused Babu Owino of it, until today.
“I have never accused him, but now I am accusing him,” he insisted.
However, he did not declare any sanctions against Babu Owino.
Babu’s dalliance with Bobi
The Embakasi East lawmaker has developed a strong bond with Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Babu Owino has severally declared his support for Bobi Wine and his ideologies. Babu Owino has also in the past hosted Bobi Wine in the country which almost sparked a diplomatic row between Kenya and Uganda.
His actions forced the Ugandan authorities to ban him from traveling to that East African nation.
“The purpose of this letter is to make it known that Honorable Babu Owino is officially declared as persona non grata within the borders of Uganda and will not be permitted entry without special clearance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“During Bobi Wine’s visit to Kenya last month, Babu hosted Wine in a number of functions and events. The duo uttered inflammatory and seditious words against the democratic and legitimate rule of President Yoweri Museveni.
“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,” a letter sent by the then Ugandan minister of Internal Affairs Haji Abubakar read in part.
Despite the ban, Babu Owino has continued to express his support for Bobi Wine and Uganda’s opposition politics.
