Kampala, November 20 — Dozens of people have been killed in raucous street clashes pitting supporters of presidential candidate Bobi wine and security forces, the country’s worst election-related violence since President Yoweri Museveni came to power, nearly four decades ago.
Police using tear gas and live ammunition killed some 37 people and injured more than 100 others as they battled to control supporters of Bobi Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi a day after he was arrested ostensibly for flouting Coronavirus preventive guidelines.
Several streets and city suburbs descended into a flurry of tear gas, live bullets, and mass arrests as police battled supporters of Mr. Kyagulanyi. Police and troops in riot gear used pepper spray and water cannons as they cleared streets and hallways of protesters, arresting anyone wearing red clothing, Mr.Kyagulanyi’s party color, which authorities have banned, saying red clothing is a preserve of the military. Some 600 people were arrested.
“All indicators reveal that these events were not just impromptu,” said Fred Enanga the police spokesman, “they were part of a loosely coordinated campaign by the political group to cause anarchy.”
The musician turned politician was arrested at a campaign rally that had drawn a large crowd in the east of the country.
Mr.Kyagulanyis’s wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, said that the police had denied the family and his lawyers access to him, further angering the supporters.
The 37-year-old together with 11 others will be competing in the 2021 presidential elections against President Yoweri Museveni who has ruled the country for 34 years. He has endeared himself to Uganda’s youth, who make up more than half of the population for his bold criticism of Mr. Museveni. Uganda’s general election will be held on 14 January next year.
A government spokesman, Ofwono Opondo, said that the police was doing its job and had responded appropriately to the protesters. He blamed the protesters for being rowdy and violent instead of resolving their concerns using legal means.
Shops, restaurants, and several other businesses have been closed for the past two days around the capital and major townships around the country.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the Deputy Executive Director National Referral hospital says that the hospital has so far received 16 bodies and 46 people have been admitted at the casualty ward nursing injuries sustained in the protests. According to Byanyima, four people died last night as a result of injuries.
Kyagulanyi has been arrested several times before and tortured in custody the latest being last month just after he had been nominated to run for presidency as the official flag bearer of the National Unity Platform party.
“This is the price of having a president who cannot read that he has overstayed his welcome, the riots are just a tip of the iceberg,” said Joseph Mukasa a charity worker in Kampala.