Amnesty International has accused Ugandan security forces of torture and arbitrary arrests as the country prepares for elections on January 15. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, is seeking to extend his four-decade rule amid rising claims that opposition voices are being suppressed.
The rights group says it has documented incidents of security officers beating protesters and using tear gas against supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who previously contested Museveni in the disputed 2021 elections. That vote was widely criticised for alleged irregularities and state violence.
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Tensions escalated on November 28 when an NUP supporter was killed at a rally. Police claimed they were dispersing a violent crowd, but the victim’s family told Amnesty they were blocked from the postmortem and never received a death certificate.
Amnesty reports that security forces have arrested around 400 NUP supporters in recent months. Several detainees described being beaten, pepper-sprayed, and tasered, with one man saying he was dragged from a vehicle and sprayed directly in the mouth during a rally in Kampala.
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As election day approaches, concerns are growing over a possible internet shutdown, similar to 2021. The government denies any plans to cut access but cautions that broadcasting riots or unlawful gatherings is prohibited.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
