Uganda Security Forces Accused of Violence and Torture Against Opposition Supporters
Ugandan authorities are carrying out a “brutal campaign of repression” against opposition supporters ahead of the country’s elections, Amnesty International has said, citing unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrests and alleged torture by security forces.
In a statement issued on Monday, the human rights organisation said police and military personnel have targeted opposition rallies organised by the National Unity Platform (NUP), using tear gas, pepper spray and batons against peaceful crowds in several parts of the country, including Kawempe and Iganga.
Amnesty International reported that security forces disrupted rallies through roadblocks and movement restrictions, which it said were aimed at preventing opposition leaders and supporters from reaching campaign venues. The organisation verified digital evidence of such incidents occurring in multiple districts.
“The authorities have launched a brutal campaign of repression against the opposition and its supporters, making it extremely difficult for them to exercise their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that police used tear gas and pepper spray at a rally in Kawempe on 24 November shortly after the arrival of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The resulting panic reportedly caused a stampede in which several people were injured. Attendees also alleged that security forces used dogs to intimidate the crowd and forcibly detained participants.
At another rally in Iganga on 28 November, witnesses said military personnel blocked exits and later opened fire as people attempted to leave the venue. One attendee, 35-year-old Miseach Okello, died in circumstances Amnesty International says may indicate unlawful use of force. His family reportedly were not informed of the cause of death and were denied access to postmortem proceedings.
Police have defended their actions, claiming opposition supporters attacked officers and damaged vehicles. However, witnesses interviewed by Amnesty International disputed these claims, saying the gatherings were peaceful.
The organisation also raised concerns over mass arrests, stating that more than 400 people have been detained for attending opposition rallies or for being perceived as NUP supporters. Some detainees alleged they were subjected to torture or other ill-treatment while in custody.
Amnesty International said international law requires police to prioritise non-violent methods of crowd control and to use force only when strictly necessary and proportionate. It added that the use of firearms to disperse assemblies is always unlawful.
“The Ugandan authorities must uphold their human rights obligations and allow the opposition to campaign freely and safely,” Chagutah said, calling for independent investigations into alleged abuses and the immediate release of anyone detained solely for exercising their political rights.
