Security officials monitor events in Kampala
Twitter
A sizeable number of Kenyans are fleeing Uganda ahead of the general elections over fears of post-election violence, with Ugandans going to the polls, Thursday 14.
A report by
The Standard stated that Kenyans who operate businesses in the capital city of Kampala, were making arrangements to have family members return to Kenya.
Kenyans in Uganda have cited the increasing cases of election-related violence and the heightened tensions in the capital as some of the reasons they have decided to take shelter back in Kenya from Tuesday, January 12.
Ugandan riot police officers detain a supporter of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine
Uganda: Fears of further violence ahead of election
Ugandan troops have been deployed ahead of Thursday s vote. Opposition candidate Bobi Wine has urged supporters to cast a protest vote.
Uganda presidential hopeful Bobi Wine wears a helmet and bulletproof vest due to constant clashes with security officers
Music, campaign messages, and pledges blast through public speakers mounted on pick-up trucks in Uganda s capital Kampala. But these trucks plastered with posters of presidential and parliamentary candidates are not the only new additions to the streets.
The Ugandan government anticipating post-election violence has deployed a massive military presence across the East African nation ahead of the election.
Uganda sees no end to election-related violence
Tensions are rising as Uganda gears up for elections. Long-time President Museveni changed the constitution to run again. His rival Bobi Wine faces repeated arrest. Experts warn that the violence won t stop at the polls.
Singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine is openly critical of Uganda s leadership and has been arrested multiple times
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose full name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, on Wednesday said on Twitter that he was arrested along with his campaign team in Kalangala, central Uganda.
A bodyguard for Wine was the latest victim of deadly violence in the weeks before presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 14. Two journalists were also wounded in the confrontations on Sunday between security forces and followers of the singer and lawmaker at a campaign rally in central Uganda.