30 Killed in Uganda Post-Election Crackdown

Uganda Army Chief Says He Wants Bobi Wine Dead Uganda Army Chief Says He Wants Bobi Wine Dead
Uganda’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Credit: Africa News.

Uganda’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said on Friday that 30 opposition supporters had been killed and around 2,000 detained following the January 15 presidential election.

Kainerugaba, who is known for his provocative social media posts and has publicly expressed ambitions to succeed his father, wrote on X that authorities had arrested “over 2,000 hooligans” linked to Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), and that 30 NUP members had been killed.

Uganda Army Chief Says 2,000 Opposition Supporters Arrested
                                               Uganda Army Chief Says 2,000 Opposition Supporters Arrested. AFP

“We have arrested over 2,000 hooligans that Kabobi thought he would use. So far, we have killed 30 NUP terrorists,” he wrote, using his nickname for Bobi Wine.

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Opposition leader Bobi Wine remained in hiding after reportedly accusing security forces of raiding his home in the wake of the vote, which he described as “blatant theft.” 

According to the Electoral Commission. Museveni, 81, was declared the winner with 72 per cent of the vote, while Wine received 25 per cent.

Among those detained is opposition lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi from Butambala, one of the areas hardest hit by election-day violence. Kivumbi said 10 of his campaign agents were killed when security forces stormed his home.

Police said his supporters had been shot after allegedly attempting to burn down a vote-tallying centre and police station.

A lawyer representing opposition figures said more than 600 people had been arrested in connection with post-election protests. He added that many detainees were unaware of the charges against them and claimed they were picked up from their homes before appearing in court.

Human rights groups and African election observers have criticised the heavy repression of opposition supporters, including a nationwide internet shutdown, following the vote.

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