Tensions flared in Uganda’s capital Kampala as opposition supporters protested the ongoing vote counting process in the country’s hotly contested presidential election. Heavily armed security forces clashed with demonstrators, leading to a chaotic scene of gunfire and stun grenades.
Eyewitnesses reported that military officers, some wielding assault rifles, ordered protesters to kneel on the ground near the Kibuye roundabout in central Kampala. The sound of gunshots and stun grenades reverberated through the area as shop fronts were shuttered, with ‘people power’ chants from opposition backers filling the air.
The unrest came as the vote tallying continued following Thursday’s election, which pitted long-serving President Yoweri Museveni against popular opposition candidate Bobi Wine. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is widely expected to secure another term, but Wine and his supporters have alleged widespread irregularities and vote-rigging.
“They are trying to steal this election,” said 32-year-old protester James Okello. “We won’t accept it – the people have spoken and Bobi Wine is the rightful winner.”
The scenes of chaos in Kampala underscored the high tensions surrounding the electoral process in the East African nation. Both sides have accused the other of inciting violence, with the government warning of a crackdown on any “illegal” gatherings.
In a statement, the Ugandan military said it was working to “restore order” and urged citizens to remain calm. However, opposition leaders condemned the heavy-handed response, calling it an attack on democracy.
“This is a disgraceful display of brute force against peaceful citizens,” said Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. “The world is watching, and we will not be intimidated.”
The unrest in Kampala comes after a turbulent pre-election period that saw a number of Wine’s rallies banned and the candidate himself briefly detained. International observers have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process, with the United States and European Union criticising the government’s actions.
As the vote count continues, all eyes will be on Uganda to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days. With tensions running high and both sides unwilling to back down, the potential for further clashes remains a real concern.
