Police in Uganda have detained Muwanga Kivumbi, a prominent lawmaker and deputy leader of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party, on allegations of involvement in electoral violence during last week’s election. Kivumbi, a key ally of opposition figure Bobi Wine, is accused of inciting violence in his constituency in Butambala, which resulted in the deaths of seven people. These deaths occurred after unidentified security personnel opened fire at Kivumbi’s house.
The ongoing political unrest in Uganda has raised tensions as President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was declared the winner of the recent election. However, the election results have been widely disputed by Wine and his supporters, leading to accusations of electoral fraud and violence.
Violence in Butambala: Allegations Against Kivumbi
The violence in Butambala left seven dead and many others injured, sparking outrage across the country. Kivumbi, visibly emotional at the funerals of the victims, insisted that the victims were innocent civilians who were targeted by state security forces. According to Police Spokesman Kituuma Rusoke, Kivumbi is likely to face criminal charges for his alleged role in the violence, though no formal accusations have been made against him as of yet.
Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has claimed that he is currently in hiding following the election results. Wine, who received 24.7% of the vote, has rejected Museveni’s victory, calling the results fake and accusing the government of rigging the election. Museveni’s victory, with 71.6% of the vote, has been met with strong opposition from Wine’s camp, with claims of electoral fraud including ballot stuffing and violence.
Museveni’s Speech and Election Controversies
In a televised speech, President Museveni addressed the violence in Butambala, accusing opposition groups of attempting to provoke unrest during the voting process. He claimed that those killed in Butambala had attacked police officers with machetes, an allegation that Kivumbi and other opposition figures have strongly denied. Museveni also urged religious leaders to reach out to youth, whom he suggested were being misled into violence.
The police have made significant arrests in connection with electoral violence, with 21 suspects in custody, some of whom allegedly pointed to Kivumbi’s involvement. The situation remains tense in Butambala, where violent clashes between Kivumbi’s supporters and police were reported during the election period.
Electoral Tensions and Internet Shutdown
The 2025 Ugandan election was marred by significant disruptions, including a days-long internet shutdown that hindered communication and voter engagement across the country. Additionally, technical issues with biometric voter identification machines led to delays in polling, particularly in the capital, Kampala. Wine, who had raised concerns about election integrity, accused the government of manipulating the voting process through ballot stuffing, particularly in areas deemed to be strongholds of Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Security forces played a prominent role throughout the campaign, with Wine and his supporters frequently harassed and subjected to tear gas attacks. Wine, citing security fears, campaigned wearing a flak jacket and helmet.
Museveni’s Seventh Term
Museveni, now 81 years old, is set to begin his seventh term in office, further extending his grip on power as Uganda’s longest-serving leader. His supporters argue that his leadership has brought relative peace and stability to Uganda, which has become a haven for refugees fleeing violence from neighboring countries. However, Museveni has yet to indicate when he plans to retire, and there are no clear rivals within his party’s upper ranks.
Uganda’s political future remains uncertain as the country has not seen a peaceful transition of presidential power since gaining independence from British colonial rule more than six decades ago.
