Uganda: UN concerned over arrests and use of force

The UN has expressed concern over the tense post-election situation in Uganda from the arrest of opposition leader, Kiza Besigye and the intimidating use of force towards the opposition supporters.

This follows report of at least two people who have been killed and several others injured from clashes that have engulfed the city of Kampala. The office also expressed concerns over information about journalists being harassed and intimidated by the police.

“We are concerned by the tense post-electoral situation in Uganda. We have reports of at least two people killed and an unknown number of people injured, heavy military and police forces deployed in the streets of Kampala, and the arrest of four opposition leaders since Thursday elections,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesperson, Cécile Pouilly at a regular news briefing in Geneva on Tuesday.

The office raised more concerns over the “intimidating display of force” used last Friday by Ugandan police and military forces to evacuate the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) headquarters in Kampala, with tear gas and live ammunition.

“Two other presidential candidates have also been reportedly arrested over the last few days. Mr. Mbabazi, from the Go Forward party, has been under house arrest since Saturday, and Mr. Abed Bwanika, President of the People’s Development Party, was reportedly intercepted by police on Friday at Mutukula, close to the border with Tanzania, as he was attempting to leave the country with his family. Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, was also arrested on Saturday, as he was talking to the press about Mr. Besigye’s arrest,” said Pouilly.

The recently conducted elections saw the former president Yoweri Museveni reclaim the seat to extend his 30 years rule.