Amnesty International has accused Ugandan authorities of waging a “brutal campaign of repression” against opposition figures as the country heads toward general elections scheduled for 15 January.
The rights group says opposition supporters have been subjected to widespread use of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings and other forms of violence, particularly targeting the campaign of leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine. Wine, a musician-turned-politician whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been seen campaigning in a flak jacket and helmet amid repeated confrontations with security forces.
Wine is challenging President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term. Over the years, constitutional term and age limits have been removed, while political opponents have been jailed or sidelined. State security forces, including the military, have played a prominent role at opposition rallies, often breaking them up.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Wine said the military had “largely taken over the election,” alleging that at least three of his supporters had been killed during violent campaign incidents. He accused police of acting illegally and unprofessionally, citing restrictions on his movement, constant surveillance by security forces and intimidation of his supporters.
President Museveni has defended the security response, describing the opposition as “criminal” and endorsing the use of tear gas to disperse crowds. He argued that tear gas is preferable to live ammunition. Critics, however, note that Museveni campaigns freely without disruption, raising questions about the fairness of the electoral process.
Despite the pressure, Wine has urged supporters to turn out in large numbers and cast what he calls “protest votes” against the ruling party. He has stopped short of calling for street protests, emphasizing participation at the ballot box instead.
Uganda has never experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence, a history that heightens tensions ahead of the vote. Amnesty International and other observers warn that continued repression risks undermining the credibility of the election and further eroding democratic space in the East African nation.
