Uganda's Presidential Race Heats Up Amid Allegations of Violence Against Opposition
Uganda's upcoming presidential election on January 15 is increasingly marred by claims of violence, as opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, alleges he and his team were assaulted by security forces. The incident, which Wine detailed on his social media platforms, reportedly occurred during a campaign rally in Gulu, a significant city in northern Uganda.
Accusations of Assault and Hospitalizations
Bobi Wine, a popular pop star turned politician, is challenging incumbent President Yoweri Museveni for the second time. He claims that as his convoy approached a campaign venue in Gulu, individuals dressed in police and military uniforms attacked his group with sticks and stones. Wine specifically stated he was hit in the face with a cane, and that several of his supporters required hospitalization due to injuries sustained in the alleged assault. He shared images, including one of an aide with a bleeding head injury, and a video purportedly showing security personnel beating people. Campaign equipment, including his public address system, was also reportedly vandalized.
"Criminals in police and military uniform attacked us with sticks and stones and started beating up our people," Wine wrote on his X account. He attributed these actions to President Museveni being "dead scared of the people."
Security Forces Respond to Allegations
In response to Wine's accusations, military spokesperson Chris Magezi asserted that security forces intervened because Wine and his supporters had formed an "illegal procession" and were campaigning beyond the legally prescribed hours. Magezi emphasized that the role of security forces is to ensure adherence to the law. A police spokesperson could not be reached for comment by Reuters.
UN Human Rights Chief Raises Alarm
The escalating political tensions have drawn international concern. Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, issued a statement condemning what he characterized as an an "intensifying crackdown" on Uganda's opposition. Türk highlighted that at least 550 members of Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) party have been detained throughout the year, underscoring significant human rights concerns in the lead-up to the election.
This incident marks a further escalation in the already tense political climate surrounding Uganda's general elections.