Uganda: Protests likely in Kampala following re-arrest of opposition leader /update 3

Event

Fresh protests are possible following the re-arrest of opposition leader Bobi Wine, who was detained on treason charges shortly after being released from prison on Thursday, August 23. Demonstrations are particularly likely in the capital Kampala. A heightened security presence is to be expected near any related demonstrations. Clashes between protesters and security forces are relatively likely.

Context

Wine had been arrested along with 30 others ahead of elections held last week in the town of Arua after protesters threw stones at the convoy of President Yoweri Museveni. According to Wine’s lawyer, he was severely beaten while in custody. Various other opposition leaders have been arrested or blocked within their homes by police in recent days, sparking major tensions. Police clashed with demonstrators in several parts of Kampala on August 20, firing tear gas on protesters who had erected roadblocks to denounce the arrests. Security forces cordoned off areas of the city for several hours and gunfire was reported. The protests initially broke out in Kampala and other areas the day prior, with protesters erecting barricades on streets and police attempting to disperse protesters with tear gas and live ammunition.

Advice

Individuals in Uganda, particularly Kampala, are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public.