Uganda’s main opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), says more than 300 of its supporters and officials have been detained by security forces since the start of nationwide campaigning for the January presidential election. The arrests, alleged to have escalated this week in the capital Kampala, come as NUP leader and presidential candidate Bobi Wine launches his second bid to unseat long-time president Yoweri Museveni.
Wine—whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi—finished second in the 2021 election but contested the outcome, accusing the government of widespread electoral malpractice. President Museveni, in power since 1986 and now 81 years old, is seeking yet another term after previous constitutional amendments removed both age and term limits, enabling him to extend his nearly four-decade rule.
According to NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, security forces have increased their operations against opposition supporters since Wine officially began his campaign on Monday in Kampala.
“More than 300 people have been detained since campaigns began. The regime is panicking, and they are using arrests to intimidate our supporters,” Ssenyonyi told Reuters. He said those detained include volunteers, campaign coordinators, aides, and local party officials, though the majority are everyday supporters.
Ugandan police did not respond to requests for comment. However, security agencies have repeatedly defended their actions during past elections, citing the need to maintain public order and prevent violent clashes between rival groups.
Footage aired by local broadcaster NTV on Monday showed police firing tear gas and deploying water cannons to disperse a crowd at Wine’s rally in Kampala’s Kawempe division. Video posted on Wine’s X (formerly Twitter) account later the same day appeared to show officers using pepper spray on supporters, while a man in plain clothes beat individuals with a cane as authorities pushed back the crowd.
NUP spokesperson Ssenyonyi said at least 100 people were arrested during Monday’s events, with several dozen more detained on Tuesday at a rally on the outskirts of the capital. Police, in a statement released Monday night, confirmed only seven arrests, accusing those individuals of throwing stones and injuring seven officers.
“Security personnel responded by using public order measures to control rowdy crowds,” the statement read.
Wine maintains that Museveni’s previous election victory was achieved through intimidation, bribery, ballot-stuffing, and other irregularities—claims the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party denies. Independent observers in past elections have raised concerns about restrictions on opposition activities, media access, and the heavy presence of security forces.
If re-elected, President Museveni would extend his leadership of the East African nation to nearly 50 years, making him one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.
Source:Africa Publicity
