Uganda’s military chief said security forces have detained about 2,000 opposition supporters and killed at least 30 people following a disputed presidential election that extended President Yoweri Museveni’s rule for a seventh term.
The remarks, posted on social media late Thursday and early Friday, marked the first official confirmation of deaths and large scale arrests after the January 15 vote, which opposition leaders say was marred by intimidation, violence, and widespread irregularities.
President Museveni, 81, was declared the winner after nearly four decades in power, defeating opposition leader Bobi Wine during a poll held amid an internet blackout. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected the result and said he went into hiding after security forces raided his residence.
Uganda’s army commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son, said the detained individuals were supporters of Wine’s National Unity Platform party. In a series of posts on X, he described them as violent actors and vowed to pursue others still at large.
“So far we have killed 30 NUP terrorists,” Kainerugaba wrote, without providing details on how the deaths occurred. In another post, he said, “Most NUP terrorist leaders are in hiding. We shall get them all.”
Government officials have accused opposition supporters of election related violence. The opposition says its members were targeted by security forces. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims from either side.
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Police declined to comment further, while military spokesperson Chris Magezi was not immediately reachable.
The United Nations expressed alarm over reports of arrests and violence linked to the post election crackdown. Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and respect for Uganda’s legal and human rights obligations.
“He notes the importance of restraint by all actors and respect for the rule of law and Uganda’s international human rights obligations,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said late Thursday.
Rights groups and opposition parties say some detainees are being held in unofficial facilities and subjected to abuse, allegations the government has previously denied.
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Wine has said hundreds of his supporters have been arrested in recent months because of their political affiliation, describing the campaign as an effort to intimidate voters and dismantle opposition networks.
The crackdown intensified this week with the detention of Muwanga Kivumbu, a lawmaker and deputy leader in Wine’s party. Two other senior party figures have been reported missing for several days.
Wine, 43, said he fled his home after security forces surrounded the property shortly after the election.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986 and is widely believed to be preparing Kainerugaba as a future successor. The military chief has previously spoken openly about his political ambitions, fueling debate over dynastic succession in the one party dominated state.
