KAMPALA — Ugandan security forces have taken into custody a senior opposition politician in connection with violent unrest that erupted after last week’s presidential election, which has been marred by deadly clashes and allegations of fraud. The move underscores deepening political tensions in the East African nation as President Yoweri Museveni secures another term.
Opposition Lawmaker Detained After Fatal Unrest
Police confirmed on Thursday that Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, a lawmaker from Butambala County and a top official in the National Unity Platform (NUP), was detained over suspected involvement in election-related violence that left at least seven people dead. Authorities said he will be formally charged in court in due course.
The arrests come amid mounting pressure on opposition figures following President Museveni’s re-election victory, which critics and rivals have rejected as flawed. Bobi Wine — the internationally recognized leader of the NUP and Museveni’s main challenger — remains out of public view, citing safety concerns.
Disputed Accounts of Violence and Electoral Fallout
Accounts differ over how the deadly violence unfolded. Police allege groups linked to Kivumbi launched attacks on a police station and voting tally centre, prompting a forceful response. Meanwhile, opposition voices and local witnesses maintain that security forces fired on unarmed supporters gathered at the lawmaker’s home, where they awaited results, describing the episode as a “massacre.”
The unrest follows a tense national election that saw widespread internet shutdowns, mobile network disruptions and reports of mishandled voting materials. Observers and rights groups have raised alarms over restrictions on civil liberties, with hundreds of opposition activists and affiliates detained both before and after voting.
Political Implications and Broader Unrest
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, was declared the winner with a commanding vote share, extending his tenure into a new term. His critics argue the process lacked transparency and fairness. The escalating violence and arrests of opposition figures have drawn both domestic and international concern about Uganda’s democratic trajectory.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a deeply polarized election, calls for dialogue and accountability are growing louder — even as authorities continue to maintain that security measures are aimed at restoring order.
