Amnesty International has accused Ugandan security forces of torture, arbitrary arrests, and violent crackdowns as the country prepares for elections on January 15. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled for over four decades, is seeking to extend his tenure amid rising allegations of political repression. The human rights group says it has documented security officers beating protesters, firing tear gas, and using pepper spray and tasers against supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who previously contested the disputed 2021 election.
Tensions escalated in late November when an NUP supporter was killed at a rally. Police claimed they were dispersing a violent crowd, but the victim’s family told Amnesty they were denied access to the postmortem and never received a death certificate. Amnesty reports that at least 400 NUP supporters have been arrested in recent months, with several detainees describing severe beatings and other forms of abuse. One man recounted being dragged from a vehicle and sprayed directly in the mouth with pepper spray during a rally in Kampala.
As election day nears, fears are growing of a possible internet shutdown, similar to disruptions seen during the 2021 vote. The Ugandan government denies any plans to block communications but has warned that broadcasting riots or unauthorized processions is illegal. Human rights observers say the combination of arrests, intimidation, and restricted media threatens to undermine a free and fair electoral process.
