Uganda’s Opposition Allege Police Brutality

It was just recently (Thursday) that Ugandans cast their Presidential election votes. The process ended successfully, though tensions surged as they awaited the results. It was on Saturday when the Electoral Commission confirmed Museveni as the president-elect. That was after he had shown a lead as the tallying process was ongoing. President Museveni managed to secure himself a sixth term after ruling the country for the last thirty-five years. But Museveni`s win did not sit well with Uganda`s opposition as they alleged the election was rigged.

Wine’s Campaign Manager Harassed

Police brutality has been on the rise in Uganda since the onset of political campaigns. Bobi Wine, a rival and prominent opposition leader to the incumbent President’s regime, was the most impacted. Recently, his campaign manager complained of having a terrible encounter with Ugandan police.

Andrew Natumanya, Bobi Wine’s campaign manager, claimed that government soldiers beat him up. He showed the injuries a day before the Electoral Commission declared Yoweri Museveni the President-elect. Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, Museveni’s main opposition, has also been under arrest for several days.

While narrating the incident, Natumanya stated that the officer abducted him, took him to a secluded area, beat him up, and electrocuted him a couple of times before setting him free. Natumanya states that the tragic incident has affected him as his whole body keeps shaking when he tries to hold something. It’s like he still feels the trauma from within.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President of Uganda’s Opposition National Unity Platform, Mathias Mpunga, demanded immediate and unconditional release of their flag bearer, who was under house siege. He also stated that the opposition had rejected the election results and alleged voter malpractice.

Mr.Wine and Uganda`s Opposition Complain of Police Brutality

Bobi Wine, the leading opposition candidate, alleged that other than his election observers facing intimidation, the ballot boxes were stuffed with votes. He promised the public to release video evidence to support his claim once the responsible technicians restored the country’s internet connection. He stated that his family, party members, and even supporters had undergone so much trying amid the campaigns and the elections.

There was a time Mr. Wine flew his family away from Uganda to keep them safe. Several times the man has had confrontations with officers who have pointed cocked guns at him. A similar incident occurred at Mr. Wine’s home when he claimed that Mr. Museveni had rigged the votes. He narrates that he saw officers all over his compound, invading his privacy.

Other than the unending harassment, the state authorities have also detained Mr. Wine’s advisers. Therefore he can neither leave his house nor talk to them. He claims all these are attempts by the current regime to sabotage his plans from declaring what is truly his. Now that the Electoral Commission made Museveni’s victory an official result, chances for Bobi Wine to make a comeback are almost impossible. More so since Wine’s supporters are now living in fear of invoking any laws.

Nevertheless, to cut a long story short, all Ugandans care about is a peaceful environment. Even though Wine supporters hoped to elect the Ghetto President, their wish did not come to pass. As such, all they have to focus on is their well being.