KAMPALA — Uganda’s military leadership has disclosed that 30 opposition supporters were killed and approximately 2,000 people arrested during and after the country’s recent presidential election, which was marked by widespread unrest and allegations of fraud.
The announcement from the army chief comes amid a tense political climate where the main opposition figure, Robert Kyagulanyi—widely known as Bobi Wine—remains in hiding, citing fears for his safety. The popular singer-turned-politician and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has repeatedly claimed the January election was rigged in favor of long-term incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.
According to the military statement, the casualties and arrests occurred during operations to quell what authorities described as “violent protests” and “illegal gatherings” that violated state-imposed curfews and public order directives. Security forces maintain that their actions were necessary to prevent chaos and instability.
“The loss of life is regrettable, but these individuals were involved in acts of violence that threatened public safety and property,” the army chief stated. “Our forces acted within the law to restore order.”
Human rights organizations and international observers have raised severe concerns over the conduct of security forces. Groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and a systematic crackdown on dissent in the weeks leading up to and following the poll.
“The figures announced by the army likely underrepresent the true scale of the violence and arrests,” said a regional director for one international watchdog. “We have documented a pattern of abductions, torture, and intimidation targeting opposition supporters and civil society.”
Bobi Wine, who has been under effective house arrest for extended periods since the vote, has rejected the official election results and called for an independent audit. In a recent clandestine communication, he accused the state of orchestrating a campaign of terror.
“My people are being hunted for demanding their democratic rights,” he said. “The world must not turn a blind eye to the atrocities happening in Uganda.”
The international community, including the United States and the European Union, has expressed deep concern over the electoral process and the subsequent violence. Some nations have called for independent investigations into the allegations of human rights abuses and electoral irregularities.
President Museveni, who has held power for over 35 years, was declared the winner with 59% of the vote. He has dismissed all criticism, characterizing the opposition as “agents of chaos” and foreign interference, while praising security forces for maintaining national stability.
As the situation remains volatile, the whereabouts of Bobi Wine and several of his closest aides are unknown. Their supporters fear for their security, while the government insists all citizens are protected under the law.
The ongoing crackdown signals a prolonged period of political tension in Uganda, with fears that the arrest tally and death toll may continue to rise as the state consolidates its post-election control.
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