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Bobi Wine’s Anti-Museveni Documentary Wins Oscar Nomination
A searing documentary chronicling Ugandan musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine’s opposition campaign against President Yoweri Museveni’s regime has landed a prestigious Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film.
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President” joins four other contenders, including the Tunisian piece “Four Daughters,” in the race for the coveted award.
“It’s an honor to see the Ugandan story reach the Academy Awards, the pinnacle of recognition,” said Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. “The fight for democracy in Uganda, and globally, continues. Thank you for this validation!”
Wine, who challenged Museveni in the 2021 presidential election, suffered defeat amidst widespread allegations of vote rigging. The disputed outcome sparked nation-wide protests met with a heavy crackdown by security forces. Human rights groups estimate dozens killed and thousands arrested during the period.
Wine himself has been a frequent target, facing multiple arrests and detentions for his criticism of Museveni’s rule. As recently as Tuesday, security forces clamped down on his planned protest by restricting his movements for five days.
Museveni, a controversial figure who has held power since 1986, stands accused by critics of stifling dissent. He vehemently denies the accusations, defending Uganda’s democratic credentials.
Somalia Military Clashes with Al-Shabab in Mudug
A wave of heavy gunfire and explosions rocked central Somalia early Wednesday morning as al-Shabab militants launched a coordinated attack on military bases in Aad village. The assault, reportedly initiated with a suicide bombing, targeted government special forces stationed within the complex.
Details surrounding the ongoing clash remain fluid, with conflicting reports emerging from both sides. Galmudug Security Minister Mohamed Abdi Aden affirmed that troops are valiantly repelling the militant advance, inflicting significant casualties.
The Somali federal forces have been engaged in a sustained offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked group since August 2022, aiming to dismantle its stronghold in central and southern Somalia.
Independent verification of the situation on the ground is currently hampered by limited access and communication disruptions. Local residents, who spoke to the BBC under condition of anonymity, described hearing intense gunfire and explosions throughout the morning, raising concerns about potential civilian casualties.
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