Kayunga—1, December 2020: The 2021 general elections is expected to be the most violent exercise ever—international and local observers have said in recent days. Political pundits, as well.
Ahead of the polling day on 14 January 2021, so far, close to 60 Ugandans have died as a result of shooting incidences by security forces. Scores are injured, and more than 400 have been arrested following the November 18 and 19 violent protests in Kampala and other towns after brutal arrest of Bobi Wine in Luuka district.
Bobi Wine (officially recognised as) Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu by the electoral commission (EC), is among 10 other presidential candidates wanting to dislodge incumbent Yoweri Museveni from office.
On Tuesday, Bobi Wine announced on Twitter his body guard, aide and other supporters were shot by security operatives (his statement below).
President Museveni (NRM candidate) has been in power since 1986, and opposition leaders, including their supporters, most of them youths want to end Museveni’s 35-old-year-rule.
If he wins the forthcoming presidential election, Museveni will be the living Africa’s longest serving leader.
In seeking for his re-election, many people have blamed him for “personalising the security forces” and making them partisan, and to operate in his favour.
This is being observed as in recent months, and days, joint security forces have elected to use brutal force while arresting; using live bullets and teargas against opposition presidential candidates and their supporters.
Fellow Ugandans,
The police and military have attacked us yet again, shot and injured many of my team members and other Ugandans who gathered to wave to me in Kayunga. My friend and producer Dan Magic has been hit in the face! ASP Kato, a police officer attached to me, has also been badly injured. Many comrades are gravely injured. Pray for us. Pray for Uganda. We shall overcome!
Bobi Wine, who’s also the current Kyandondo East MP, is a musician whose songs “touches the souls and hearts”. He’s among some MPs who protested lifting of presidential age limit in 2017, a move which allowed President Museveni to run for presidency beyond 75 years.