Wayne, the famous musician-turned-politician, was arrested while campaigning in eastern Uganda, according to his staff – just weeks later. Prior arrest.

“Only army and police officers can access him. All people of sound conscience must condemn the violation of his rights with impunity,” the statement said.

The Ugandan police did not immediately respond to CNN’s calls, but in a statement posted on its official website on Wednesday, the Inspector General indicated tougher enforcement of Covid-19 around the campaign events.

While authorities have said the restrictions are necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19, members of the opposition say they are an excuse to curb the election campaigns and intimidate opposition supporters ahead of the upcoming January elections.

Following news of Wayne’s arrest, protesters took to the streets of Kampala and clashed with police and the military, who responded with tear gas.

Another presidential candidate, Mugisha Montu, announced that he would pause his campaign until Wayne’s release.

“The government must ensure the safety of all candidates in the elections and their supporters, regardless of political affiliations,” European Union foreign affairs representative Josep Borrell Fontelles wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

The Uganda Red Cross said on Thursday that it was providing medical assistance to injured people during the protests.

He joined politics as an independent in 2017 and has remained a thorn in President Yoweri Museveni’s side, denouncing his policies and singing songs against his government.

Wayne’s presidential bid now challenges Museveni’s three-decade-old grip on power. He was arrested earlier in early November after he handed his nomination papers to the Elections Commission.