Uganda is facing a surge in post-election violence following President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election, as opposition supporters report dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests.
On Friday, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Ugandan army and son of the newly re-elected president, stated on X that 30 opposition supporters had been killed and more than 2,000 arrested since the January 15 vote.
He referred to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) members as “thugs” and “terrorists,” using a nickname for opposition leader Bobi Wine.
“We have arrested more than 2,000 thugs that Kabobi thought he could use,” Kainerugaba wrote. “So far, we have killed 30 NUP terrorists.”
Bobi Wine, who remains in hiding, accused security forces of raiding his home and called the election a “brazen theft,” urging Ugandans to protest against what he described as systemic repression.
Wine’s NUP secured 25% of the vote, while Museveni, 81, claimed 72% according to the Electoral Commission.
International observers and NGOs have criticized the Ugandan government for heavy-handed tactics against opposition figures, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on civil liberties during and after the vote.
Among those arrested is opposition MP Muwanga Kivumbi from Butambala, a region that experienced some of the most serious election-day violence.
Kivumbi told AFP that security forces killed ten of his campaign staff after storming his home. Authorities, however, claimed his supporters were shot while allegedly attempting to set fire to a counting center and police station.
An opposition lawyer, Erias Lukwago, said more than 600 people had been detained in post-election protests.
“In all cases, our clients deny the accusations. Some say they were picked up at home by police and detained before appearing in court on charges they were not aware of,” he told AFP.
Kainerugaba, 51, is known for his provocative and often controversial social media posts.
He has publicly expressed ambitions to succeed his father and recently made threats against Wine, including sexist remarks directed at opposition members.
About the Author
