Uganda election violence: Bobi Wine ally arrested

Detainment of Opposition Figure Ally in Uganda

On Thursday, police detained Muwanga Kivumbi, a deputy president of the National Unity Platform party, led by opposition figure Bobi Wine. Kivumbi is accused of involvement in violent incidents in central Uganda during the recent election period.

According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, Kivumbi may face criminal charges related to the violence in his constituency, which resulted in seven fatalities. These individuals were reportedly killed by unidentified security personnel who fired at Kivumbi's residence in Butambala.

In the recent presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner, securing 71.6% of the vote, while Bobi Wine received 24.7%. Wine has rejected these results, alleging fraud.

In a televised address, President Museveni accused the opposition of inciting violence during the election. He urged religious leaders to guide the youth away from violence.

Police spokesman Rusoke stated that Bobi Wine is not wanted by the authorities and dismissed claims of threats against him.

Kivumbi, who lost his parliamentary seat, has been implicated by some of the 21 suspects detained in connection with the electoral violence in Butambala. Police reports indicate clashes between law enforcement and Kivumbi's supporters.

The election was affected by an internet shutdown and technical failures in biometric voter identification, causing delays in voting. Allegations of ballot box stuffing in pro-Museveni areas have also been made by the opposition.

Throughout the campaign, there was a significant presence of security forces. Bobi Wine claimed that authorities followed and harassed his supporters, often using tear gas. For safety reasons, Wine campaigned wearing protective gear.

President Museveni, aged 81, will begin his seventh five-year term, extending his leadership to nearly five decades. His administration is credited with maintaining peace and stability, making Uganda a refuge for those fleeing regional conflicts. However, there remains uncertainty about his retirement plans, and he faces no significant opposition within his National Resistance Movement party.

Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since gaining independence six decades ago.

Based on reporting by Africanews.