IGANGA, Uganda — Campaign violence has escalated in Uganda, with police confirming at least one fatality at a rally held for opposition leader Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi) on Friday. The incident is the latest in a series of violent confrontations ahead of the highly contested January election.
The presidential race pits the 43-year-old former singer, who has amassed significant support among Uganda’s youth, against the deeply entrenched political machinery of 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking to extend his four-decade rule.
In a statement posted on X, the Ugandan police force detailed the security response in the eastern town of Iganga. The police claimed that forces deployed to the area “faced attacks, including stone-throwing incited by the candidate.”
The statement continued, “Officers responded to the violence by dispersing the unruly crowds, during which one civilian fatality occurred.”
Police confirmed that “several suspects linked to today’s violence have been arrested” and are currently in custody.
The police statement condemned “hooliganism” at the event and issued a stern warning: “confronting armed officers poses grave risks, will not be tolerated, and will face decisive action.”
Bobi Wine, however, offered a sharply contrasting account of the events, condemning the actions of the security forces and telling AFP that he and his supporters would not relent “until Museveni is out of power, regardless (of) how many people his partisan police and the army kills.”
Earlier, Wine posted on X alleging that officers fired on supporters who were dispersing after the rally:
“These criminals fired live bullets at peaceful people and in the process killed at least one comrade and injured several others,” he stated, adding that at least three other people had been “severely injured” and were “fighting for their lives in hospital.”
A history of contest and intimidation
The latest violence follows a rally in the capital, Kampala, earlier in the week where police reportedly used tear gas on large crowds.
The contest is a rematch from the 2021 election, which was marred by widespread reports of severe violence and irregularities.
Also Read: Bobi Wine forced to abandon Kiruhura rally after clashes with Museveni’s supporters
Wine has faced numerous arrests and has alleged torture while in police and military custody.
Tensions are further fueled by President Museveni’s son and Ugandan army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has repeatedly issued threats against the opposition leader on social media platforms.
The veteran president’s campaign strategy is focused on “protecting the gains” of his long rule and “driving Uganda to high middle-income status.”
Despite remaining popular for having ended a brutal dictatorial regime in the 1980s, Museveni has faced growing accusations of increasing authoritarianism in recent years.
