Ugandan pop star/legislator performs first concert since jailing for treason

Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Bobi Wine, a pop star and opposition legislator in Uganda, performed his first concert Saturday since he was jailed on treason charges.

The event took place event at a private beach outside the capital, Kampala, and drew around 20,000 spectators of spectaors, many in red clothes, berets and ribbons symbolizing their allegiance to the movement led by Wine, a rookie legislator whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, PML Daily reported.

He was joined by other artists.

Originally, Ssentamu, 37, was denied permission to conduct the concert at the national stadium.

"Blocked three times by the state but on the [fourth] attempt there is a mammoth turnout," his attorney Nicholas Opiyo said on Twitter.

Tight security was present and every person was subjected to throughout body checks by entering.

In a statement Friday, police banned politics at the concert.

Kampala Metropolitan Area spokesman Luke Owoyesigire the concernt was to launch his music album.

In September, he was among 35 charged with treason after stones were pelted at the convoy of President Yoweri Museveni.

He was released on bail and went to the United States for treatment of injuries he claims he received while in custody.

Last year, he won a seat in the national assembly as an independent candidate.