Uganda election violence intensified after police arrested a senior ally of opposition leader Bobi Wine over deadly clashes linked to last week’s polls. Authorities accused the lawmaker of playing a role in unrest that left seven people dead in central Uganda.
Police on Thursday detained Muwanga Kivumbi, a member of parliament and deputy president of Wine’s National Unity Platform. Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke said Kivumbi is likely to face criminal charges connected to violence in his Butambala constituency during the election period.
The deaths occurred after unidentified security personnel opened fire at Kivumbi’s home in Butambala. The seven victims were later buried amid emotional scenes, with Kivumbi describing them as civilians killed by armed forces. The government disputes that account.
President Yoweri Museveni, declared winner of the election, said the victims were part of a group that attacked police officers with machetes. In a televised address, he accused opposition supporters of attempting to incite violence during voting and urged religious leaders to caution young people against unrest.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the official results and said he had gone into hiding over safety concerns. Electoral authorities said Museveni won with 71.6% of the vote, while Wine secured 24.7%. Wine described the results as fraudulent.
Police denied targeting Wine, insisting he remains free to move. Rusoke said Wine was protected throughout the election and is not under investigation. He added that no accusations have been filed against the opposition leader.
However, police said several of the 21 suspects arrested in connection with violence in Butambala accused Kivumbi of mobilising supporters. Rusoke said there were running battles between police and groups linked to the lawmaker, who also lost his re-election bid.
The election was marked by controversy, including a nationwide internet shutdown and failures of biometric voter machines that delayed voting in several areas. Wine also alleged ballot stuffing in regions considered strongholds of Museveni’s ruling party.
Security forces maintained a heavy presence throughout the campaign. Museveni, now set to begin a seventh term at age 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986. The country has never experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence.
