Protests have erupted in Uganda’s capital after police prevented a pop-star-turned-opposition-politician from leaving for the US for treatment after he was allegedly tortured in detention. The actions by security forces have escalated a dispute between the government of the longtime president, Yoweri Museveni, and a youthful generation that fears he intends to rule for life after 32 years in power.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known to his fans as Bobi Wine, was stopped on Thursday night while trying to board a flight at Entebbe airport, his lawyer, Asuman Basalirwa, said. He was admitted to a hospital in the capital, Kampala, in a “worrying condition”, the lawyer said.

The 36-year-old had been freed on bail on Monday but faced no travel restrictions after he and several other politicians were charged with treason, over an incident in which the president’s motorcade was pelted with stones and Kyagulanyi’s driver was shot dead. A lawyer for the singer has called the charge false.(theguardian)…[+]