Uganda: Political protests reported in Kampala April 30 /update 4

Event

Political protests have been reported in Kampala, including in the Kololo and Kisekka market areas, on Tuesday, April 30, following the arrest and detention of opposition politician Bobi Wine on Monday, April 29. Protesters have reportedly burned tires and obstructed traffic in the capital, with police firing tear gas and employing other crowd-control measures to disperse the demonstrators.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected in Kampala over the coming hours. Similar protests are likely in the capital over the coming days. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The leader of Uganda's People Power Movement Bobi Wine was arrested in the district of Busabala and charged on April 29 over his alleged role in a protest held on July 11, 2018.

Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), a Ugandan musician and current member of parliament, is a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni and a frequent target of police action. He was arrested on August 14, 2018, and charged with treason, resulting in protests and violent clashes between his supporters and security forces. According to Wine and his lawyer, he was severely beaten while in custody. Police previously blocked a scheduled concert at One Love Beach Busabala on December 26, 2018, resulting in protests and roadblocks on the highway connecting Kampala and Entebbe.

Advice

Individuals in Kampala are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.