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Ugandan authorities have detained a senior opposition figure linked to presidential challenger Bobi Wine, intensifying political tensions following one of the country’s most disputed elections in decades.
Muwanga Kivumbi, a member of parliament and deputy leader of Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP), was arrested on Thursday in connection with violent clashes that erupted in central Uganda during last week’s presidential vote. Police accuse Kivumbi of participating in unrest in his constituency of Butambala, where seven people were killed.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, Kivumbi is expected to face criminal charges over his alleged role in the violence. The deaths occurred after unidentified security forces reportedly opened fire near Kivumbi’s home. The lawmaker later appeared visibly emotional at the victims’ funerals, describing them as casualties of excessive force by state security.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has since gone into hiding, citing fears for his safety after President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of the election with 71.6 percent of the vote. Wine officially received 24.7 percent, but rejected the results, claiming widespread fraud and voter suppression.
The election was marked by a nationwide internet shutdown, heavy military deployment, and failures of biometric voting systems, particularly in opposition strongholds like Kampala. Wine has also alleged ballot stuffing in regions dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement.
President Museveni, now set to begin his seventh term in office, accused the opposition of inciting violence and claimed those killed in Butambala had attacked police. He urged religious leaders to intervene and discourage young people from engaging in unrest.
Security forces remained highly visible throughout the campaign, with Wine often wearing protective gear at rallies. While authorities insist Wine is not a wanted man, multiple opposition supporters have been arrested since the vote.
Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transfer of presidential power since gaining independence more than 60 years ago. With Museveni now 81 and approaching five decades in power, the latest developments highlight growing concerns over political space, civil liberties, and the future of democratic transition in the country.