Ugandan police have arrested Muwanga Kivumbi, a close ally of opposition leader Bobi Wine, accusing him of playing a role in violent clashes that erupted in his Butambala constituency during last week’s general election.
Kivumbi, who serves as Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and a sitting lawmaker, is expected to face criminal charges over the unrest, which left seven people dead, according to police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke.
Authorities allege that the violence broke out between police and NUP supporters. However, Kivumbi maintains that the deceased were victims of unprovoked attacks by security personnel who opened fire near his residence. Speaking emotionally at their funerals, he accused the armed forces of using lethal force against unarmed civilians.
Tensions after disputed polls
The arrests come amid heightened political tension following President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election. Official results gave the 81-year-old leader 71.6% of the vote, compared to 24.7% for Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Wine has rejected the outcome, describing the results as fraudulent and claiming to be in hiding for his safety.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, accused the opposition of inciting unrest, saying those killed in Butambala had attacked police officers with machetes. “We protected Bobi Wine through the entire election,” Rusoke said, dismissing claims that Wine’s life was in danger.
Election irregularities and unrest
Uganda’s January election was marred by widespread reports of intimidation, a nationwide internet shutdown, and failures in biometric voter verification systems that delayed voting in parts of the country, including the capital, Kampala.
Wine and his campaign team alleged ballot stuffing in several regions regarded as Museveni strongholds. Throughout the campaign, Wine said he and his supporters were harassed, followed, and repeatedly dispersed with tear gas.
The opposition leader often campaigned wearing a flak jacket and helmet for protection, underscoring fears of state-backed violence.
Museveni’s extended rule
Museveni’s victory secures him a seventh five-year term, extending his tenure toward five decades in power. While his supporters credit him for bringing relative peace and stability to Uganda, critics argue that his long rule has been marked by repression and a lack of political freedoms.
Despite calls for renewal, Museveni has not indicated any plans to step down, and there are currently no visible successors within his National Resistance Movement (NRM). Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Britain six decades ago.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
