Uganda Election Brings Tension as Opposition Prepares to Defend Voting Rights

Uganda’s Presidential Election Campaigns Marred by Violence

Kampala, Uganda - As campaigning for the upcoming presidential election comes to a close on Tuesday, opposition candidate Bobi Wine has faced increasing security measures. Since his campaign began in October, Wine’s convoy has been met with tear gas, roadblocks, and arrests of supporters. Campaign events have also been disrupted, with people being forced to disperse and roads sealed off.

Wine, 43, is contesting for a second time against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades. The election will feature five other candidates, with 21.6 million registered voters expected to cast their votes.

Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has made public threats against Wine, including claims of beheading him. Opposition officials say that while these threats have not materialised, the state has taken steps to suppress Wine’s campaign.

In December, Wine was attacked by security forces and plainclothes individuals armed with sticks during a campaign stop in Gulu, northern Uganda. One person died following the incident. In November, police arrested 43 of Wine’s supporters after a confrontation over campaign routes. They remain in detention.

Analysts say that while the violence has not reached the same level as in previous elections, it is still present and controlled. “The difference lies in strategy,” says Michael Mutyaba, a Ugandan political analyst. “In 2021 and before, security agencies were in panic mode. There was state violence that was less calculated.”

Wine’s campaign team had expected violence from the start, given Museveni’s son’s public threats. The National Unity Platform (NUP), the party Wine leads, has reported disruptions to their campaign events and arrests of supporters.

The election is set to take place on Thursday, with Wine facing off against Museveni for a seventh term in office.

Source: Al Jazeera