Uganda’s Bobi Wine sings against virus

Associated Pres s:

Ugandan pop star and opposition leader Bobi Wine, who released a song urging Africa's people to wash their hands to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, is criticizing African governments for not maintaining better health care systems for the continent's 1.3 billion people.

In his new song, Corona Virus Alert, Wine and collaborator Nubian Li highlight prevention measures against the virus, which now has been reported in at least 46 of Africa's 54 countries.

Speaking to The Associated Press about the song, Wine -- a popular musician, legislator and presidential aspirant, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu -- said it is time for Africa's leaders to channel more resources toward building functional health care systems that serve both the rich and the poor.

"For a long time we have been calling out the government of Uganda, like many governments on the African continent that have neglected the health care systems," said Wine. "They have invested heavily in weapons and invested heavily in curtailing the voices of the people," he continued.

Health care system

As the coronavirus spreads across Africa, he said, "This is the time for them (the continent's leaders) to remember that a functional health care system is not only a benefit for the poor but also the rich, because right now, as we stand, they cannot travel abroad for medical care. They have to face the same ailing medical care to deal with them. And this should be a message to them."

Wine's criticism of Uganda's government has made him a leader of those opposing long-time president, Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African country since 1986. Museveni is expected to seek re-election next year and Wine has said he will challenge the president.

Since becoming a potent government critic, Wine's attempts to perform and hold rallies have been blocked by authorities. He has complained of harassment and beatings by security forces when they block his public appearances. Authorities accuse him of trying to lure young people into rioting and have charged him with multiple criminal offences, including treason, which he denies.