Ugandan election: Violence against civilians and the opposition
The presidential elections in Uganda are turning into a war against its own citizens. Our writer reports on the country he had to flee for Berlin two years ago. Edward Mutebi, 12.1.2021 - 12:47 Uhr
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Photo: AFPElection posters of the main candidates for president in Uganda: the incumbent president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (below) and the musician Bobi Wine (top), whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and who is running for the opposition party NUP.
Berlin - Uganda has never seen a peaceful transfer of power in the past. And the presidential elections to be held on 14 January have been characterised by all sorts of violence, as can be seen in the daily livestream of opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu s campaign Trail.
Daily Monitor
Monday January 11 2021
A voter casts his vote at a polling station at Katwe playground in Kampala during the 2016 presidential elections. Going by previous experiences, the question and possibility of whether elections will be free and fair, let alone being credible, is contested. PHOTO | FILE
Summary
Arrests. Last Thursday, the police arrested other members of NUP party presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi during the campaign trail. The 17 remaining members who had escaped were arrested at Kakoli Village in Budaka District, handcuffed and taken to Mbale Central Police Station.
A week ago, police had waylaid and arrested 126 Bobi Wine supporters in the islands of Kalangala District.
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Police say they have “restrained” National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine for continuously holding massive rallies on Kalangala island amidst the increased threats of coronavirus, in total disregard of the Electoral Commission and Ministry of health guidelines.
Earlier on, a tweet on Bobi Wine’s Twitter timeline said, “Bobi Wine and his entire campaign team arrested in Kalangala! Media blocked. – Admin.” Pictures and videos showed Bobi Wine and supporters of NUP being led away by Police.
However, police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said he’s being transferred to his home in Magere, Wakiso district.
Daily Monitor
Wednesday December 30 2020
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) put out a fire during the protests in Kampala on November 18. President Museveni says the UPDF are set to deal with anyone who will cause violence during the election period. Photo | Michael Kakumirizi
Summary
Mr Kyagulanyi, whose campaigns in several towns have been dispersed by the police and army on grounds that he was violating Covid-19 guidelines, has continuously denied participating in any unlawful actions during campaigns.
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President Museveni has said security agencies, especially the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), are set to deal with anyone who will cause violence in Kampala and other parts of the country during the election period.
Daily Monitor
Wednesday December 30 2020
NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine being led to a waiting army chopper in Kalangala town, December 30, 2020. Police say they intended to escort him to his home in Magere, Wakiso district. PHOTO/DAVID LUBOWA.
Summary
NUP party social media handles claimed party president and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested Wednesday December 30, 2020 during his electoral campaign visit in areas around Kalangala Island.
Videos and pictures also went viral showing Bobi and members of his campaign team being led into Police paddy wagons in Kalangala.
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Police say they have “restrained” National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine for continuously holding massive rallies on Kalangala island amidst the increased threats of coronavirus, in total disregard of the Electoral Commission and Ministry of health guidelines.