What You Need to Know
The Ugandan government has banned live broadcasts of protests and violent events ahead of the upcoming elections on January 15, where President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule. The Ministry of Information stated that such broadcasts could escalate tensions and incite panic, coinciding with a crackdown on opposition supporters.
Africa. The Ugandan government has announced a ban on live broadcasts or coverage of “riots and illegal processions” and violent incidents, just days before the elections scheduled for January 15, in which President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule.
The Ministry of Information and Communications stated in a release that “live broadcasts or coverage of riots, illegal processions, or violent incidents are prohibited, as they may lead to escalating tensions and spreading panic,” noting that authorities often label anti-government protests as “riots.”
This decision coincides with a crackdown that has seen hundreds of opposition supporters arrested, as Museveni (81) faces a new challenge from former musician and opposition politician Bobi Wine (43). The ministry has also banned the publication of any content deemed “inciting, violent, or promoting hatred.”
Bloody Electoral Background
The previous elections in 2021 saw over 50 people killed during security campaigns against Wine’s supporters, who accused Museveni of rigging the results, a claim the president denied. Museveni has ruled the country since 1986 after leading a five-year armed rebellion, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused Ugandan security forces of conducting a “brutal crackdown” against Wine’s supporters, involving arbitrary arrests, beatings, and torture, while the government and police have not issued an immediate comment on these allegations.
In addition to Wine, prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye has been in prison for over a year after being arrested on treason charges, which he denies.
The previous elections in 2021 resulted in over 50 deaths amid security crackdowns on opposition supporters, who accused Museveni of electoral fraud, a claim he denied. Museveni has been in power since 1986 after leading a five-year armed rebellion, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused Ugandan security forces of a brutal crackdown on opposition supporters, including arbitrary arrests and torture, with no immediate government response to these allegations.
