Uganda’s Opposition Accused of ‘Brutal Campaign of Repression’Ahead of Jan. 15 Election. Kampala, Uganda — January 7, 2026 Lead Paragraph: Amnesty International has accused the Ugandan government of waging a “brutal campaign of repression “against the opposition in the lead-up to the general election scheduled for January 15.
The human rights organization cited the use of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings, and other violent tactics as part of the campaign.
The campaign is centered around Bobi Wine, a musician — turned-politician and presidential candidate, who is challenging the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni. Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been a prominent figure in the opposition and has faced numerous setbacks, including physical altercations with police and the jailing of his supporters during his 2021 presidential bid.
According to Wine, the military has taken over the election process, and at least three of his supporters have been killed in violent campaign events. He has also claimed that the police have conducted themselves in an illegal and unprofessional manner, with one instance where the police warned citizens against carrying the national flag. Amnesty International has called the use of tear gas and other violent tactics “a brutal campaign of repression.”.
President Museveni, in a New Year’s Eve address, defended the use of tear gas, stating that it was better than using live bullets.
The election is seen as a critical test of Uganda’s democratic process, with Museveni seeking a seventh term in office. He has been in power since 1986 and has faced criticism for repeatedly rewriting the rules to stay in power, including scrapping term and age limits.
Regional officials and independent observers have expressed concern about the situation in Uganda, with some suggesting that the election may not be a fair exercise and could lead to further political instability.
As the election approaches, concerns remain high about the fairness and integrity of the process. Further details about the events and reactions are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Source: Amnesty International.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
