30 Killed in Uganda Post-Election Crackdown

Uganda’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said on Friday that 30 opposition supporters had been killed and around 2,000 detained following the January 15 presidential election.

Kainerugaba, who is known for his provocative social media posts and has publicly expressed ambitions to succeed his father, wrote on X that authorities had arrested “over 2,000 hooligans” linked to Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), and that 30 NUP members had been killed.

Supporters of opposition leader and presidential candidate for the National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, hold electoral banners as they chant slogans during the party’s final campaign rally ahead of the 2026 general elections in Kampala on January 12, 2026. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP)

“We have arrested over 2,000 hooligans that Kabobi thought he would use. So far, we have killed 30 NUP terrorists,” he wrote, using his nickname for Bobi Wine.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine remained in hiding after reportedly accusing security forces of raiding his home in the wake of the vote, which he described as “blatant theft.”

According to the Electoral Commission. Museveni, 81, was declared the winner with 72 per cent of the vote, while Wine received 25 per cent.

Among those detained is opposition lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi from Butambala, one of the areas hardest hit by election-day violence. Kivumbi said 10 of his campaign agents were killed when security forces stormed his home.

Police said his supporters had been shot after allegedly attempting to burn down a vote-tallying centre and police station.

A lawyer representing opposition figures said more than 600 people had been arrested in connection with post-election protests. He added that many detainees were unaware of the charges against them and claimed they were picked up from their homes before appearing in court.

Human rights groups and African election observers have criticised the heavy repression of opposition supporters, including a nationwide internet shutdown, following the vote.