Uganda’s opposition leader, Bobi Wine, and several of his supporters have been arrested on charges of ‘inciting violence,’ according to a report by Jurist News and Reports. The Uganda Police Force had intended to quell ongoing protests and prevent suspicion of agitation by executing a security operation earlier in the week.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of around 40 suspects, including lawmaker Matovu Charles. Authorities purportedly recovered red berets, handheld megaphone speakers, and a number of t-shirts intended to be used during the procession to foment violence from these individuals. However, Bobi Wine, the head of Uganda’s main opposition party – the National Unity Platform (NUP), suggested that the number of individuals detained during the operation exceeded 300.
These events occurred upon Wine’s return from a diplomatic trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he attended a roundtable discussion with pro-democracy leaders and engaged with the diaspora community. Wine’s supporters had organized a procession commencing from Entebbe International Airport, Uganda, which was set to pass through various regions of the country. Yet, Wine was arrested and placed under house arrest at the time of his arrival. Clashes ensued between his supporters and the police, who fired tear gas and live bullets to disband the assemblies near Wine’s residence.
Reporters Without Borders criticized the government’s treatment of the press during the events, condemning police brutality against journalists covering Wine’s return. The situation also drew international attention from the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs that expressed concern about harassment of opposition voices and human rights abuses, stating these actions negatively impact Uganda’s progress and its relationships with global partners. The US Mission in Uganda also echoed calls for the respect for the right to protest.