Police Refutes Nubian Li Arrest Claims, Says He Was Escorted Home
Kampala Metropolitan Police has dismissed claims that singer-turned-politician Ali Buken, popularly known as Nubian Li, was arrested shortly after his nomination for Nakawa Mayor on Tuesday.
KMP Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire told journalists that contrary to reports circulating from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nubian Li was never taken into custody but was instead escorted by police officers to his residence.
“Nubian Li was not arrested. Our officers only guided him and his team back home. We had received intelligence that his supporters had organized a convoy of vehicles and boda bodas moving through busy centers after the nomination. This could have caused heavy traffic and possible disorder. To avoid that, we ensured his safe passage,” Owoyesigyire explained.
The police clarification followed allegations from NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, who had earlier claimed that Nubian Li was bundled into a police truck and driven to an unknown location.
According to police, the decision to escort Nubian Li was purely preventive, intended to avert traffic gridlock and possible disturbances in Ntinda and surrounding areas.
Owoyesigyire further stressed that the musician-politician was now at his home and “no arrest has been done.”
The conflicting accounts highlight the continued tension between security agencies and opposition actors during the nomination period ahead of the 2026 general elections.
