Ugandans vote in election expected to extend Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule

Ugandans are voting in an election expected to result in Yoweri Museveni extending his nearly four-decade hold on power in the east African country, after a campaign beset by violence and heavy security measures. Security forces have frequently clamped down on supporters of Museveni’s main opponent, Bobi Wine, by teargassing and shooting bullets at events and detaining people; authorities have also arrested civil society members and suspended rights groups.

On Tuesday the government shut down internet access and limited mobile phone services countrywide. At least one person has been killed and hundreds have been arrested during the campaign. Observers have warned the actions have prompted fears of unrest and said the ruling National Resistance Movement faces its biggest test yet.

A UN human rights office report last week accused Ugandan authorities of using laws enacted or amended since 2021 to entrench repression and restrict rights, saying the election would take place in an environment marked by widespread repression and intimidation. The government has said security forces are responding to what it termed lawless conduct by opposition supporters; in a televised address Museveni advised security forces to use more teargas to break up the crowds of “the criminal opposition”.

Key Topics

Politics, Yoweri Museveni, Uganda, Bobi Wine, National Resistance Movement, National Unity Platform