By THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER
On Monday, heavily armed security forces surrounded the headquarters of Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kavule, a suburb of Kampala, and arrested several party leaders. This incident occurred on the eve of a planned anti-corruption march, which authorities had banned.
The move by the security forces comes just two days after President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, warned that Ugandans planning to protest were “playing with fire.” Museveni’s statement highlighted the government’s intent to suppress any opposition activities.
Bobi Wine’s Reaction
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, told AFP that the NUP headquarters were under siege by heavily armed police and military forces ahead of a scheduled press conference.
“Our headquarters are under siege by heavily armed police and the military. This was expected by the regime but we are not giving up on the struggle to liberate Uganda,” he said.
Wine also mentioned that several party leaders had been “violently arrested,” though this was not confirmed by the police.
Official Justification
Ugandan police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke stated that the deployment was due to “security concerns,” claiming intelligence suggested a large crowd was mobilized to attend the press conference, which could disrupt peace.
“There was intelligence… that there was to be a large crowd which had been mobilised to attend the press conference that could have led to disruptions of peace,” Rusoke said.
Background and Context
Ugandan authorities have a history of cracking down on the NUP and Bobi Wine, a popstar-turned-politician who ran unsuccessfully against Museveni in the 2021 elections. Wine has been a vocal critic of Museveni’s administration and has faced numerous arrests and harassment.
“As Ugandans march to parliament to protest tomorrow, they should be aware that the regime is ready to shed their blood to stay in power but this should not scare anyone,” Wine added. “We want a country where we all belong not for the few in power.”
Government’s Stance
On Saturday, Ugandan police informed organizers that Tuesday’s march would not be permitted. The march, promoted on social media with the hashtag #StopCorruption, has drawn inspiration from recent anti-government protests in Kenya.
“Some elements have been planning illegal demonstrations, riots,” Museveni said in a televised address. “You are playing with fire.”
Ugandan police reiterated their position against what they described as a “potentially anarchic approach,” emphasizing that disorderly conduct would not be tolerated.
Corruption in Uganda
Corruption is a significant issue in Uganda, with the country ranked 141 out of 180 on Transparency International’s corruption index. Several high-profile scandals have involved public officials, leading to international sanctions and domestic arrests.
Earlier this year, the United States and Britain imposed sanctions on several Ugandan officials, including parliamentary speaker Anita Among and two former ministers, over alleged corruption. The allegations involved the theft of roofing materials meant for the poor, which were redirected to politicians and their families.
Currently, four legislators from Uganda’s ruling party and two senior civil servants are in custody for allegedly embezzling funds meant to compensate farmers who lost property during the 1980s bush war that brought Museveni to power.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Protests
The anti-corruption movement in Uganda mirrors recent protests in Kenya, where activists have been demonstrating against President William Ruto’s administration. Peaceful rallies in Kenya against controversial tax hikes have often turned violent, resulting in 50 deaths since June 18, according to a state-funded rights body. Kenyan activists are now calling for Ruto’s resignation and action against corruption and alleged police brutality.
The developments in Uganda and Kenya reflect broader regional struggles against entrenched political power and systemic corruption, highlighting the challenges faced by opposition movements in East Africa.