Uganda’s post-election tensions deepened this week after the country’s army chief publicly threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine, as authorities intensified a crackdown on dissent following President Yoweri Museveni’s disputed re-election.
General Muhoozi "Twitter" Kainerugaba, the outspoken son of Museveni and head of Uganda’s armed forces, said on social media that he wanted Wine dead, days after the opposition leader said he had been forced into hiding following a security raid on his home.
Kainerugaba’s remarks came after Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of last week’s presidential election with 71.6% of the vote, securing an eighth term in office.
Opposition challenger Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, finished second with 24%, according to official results that have been widely criticised by election observers and rights groups.
Scattered protests broke out in parts of the capital on Saturday after election officials announced Museveni’s victory, but police swiftly dispersed crowds using teargas and detentions.
Ahead of the vote, the United Nations Human Rights Office accused Uganda’s military and police of using live ammunition against peaceful rallies, carrying out arbitrary arrests and abducting opposition supporters.
Museveni, in power since 1986, is Africa’s third-longest-serving head of state.
His latest victory means he could rule Uganda for nearly half a century by the time his new term ends in 2031.
Wine and his party have rejected the election results, alleging ballot stuffing, intimidation, enforced disappearances of polling agents and widespread repression.