from HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Bureau
KAMPALA, (CAJ News) – THE elections in Uganda have come and gone but the government’s crackdown on members of the opposition is heightening.
Yoweri Museveni retained power in an election held on January 15, on the back of massive repression targeting his main opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu a.k.a Bobi Wine (43), senior leaders of his party, supporters and government critics.
After the veteran leader (81) was declared the winner with almost 72 percent after a poll that critics argue was rigged, there was anticipation that the crackdowns would subside.
They are escalating, fatally.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (UPDF), and eldest child of Museveni, has emerged the mastermind of the clampdown.
Wine fled his home in Kampala during a military and police raid.
Kainerugaba, issued a 48-hour ultimatum on January 19, demanding Wine surrender or be treated as a “terrorist.”
The stern sentiments escalated this week, with the military man claiming he had been the opposition leader from future elections.
“Whether Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu is in the country or not I, as CDF, in the interests of national security and for the good of the commonwealth ban him from any further participation in the electoral exercises of Uganda.”
He belittles Wine as Kabobi.
“Kabobi, started this war against the country, that he is now trying to run away from. He is going to pay for everything he has done. We are going to find Kabobi and arrest him. One way or another,” Kainerugaba charged.
He added, “Most NUP terrorist leaders are in hiding. We shall get them all.”
Some of his threats have been blood-curdling and he has lately been gloating over violations against Wine and the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“From now on, anyone who declares Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine as his/her political leader must be annulled,” he warned.
This is denounced as incitement against the opposition.
Kainerugaba revealed his forces had killed 30 NUP members, who he branded terrorists. NUP alleges they killed over 100 since last week.
They have arrested over 2 000 “hooligans.”
Wine remains in hiding.
“I am not free. My home is still under siege, and the criminal regime is trying to hunt me down,” he said from an undisclosed location.
He reported three of his four deputies were in detention or missing after abduction.
These are deputy President for Central region, Muwanga Kivumbi, arrested on Thursday.
Deputy for Western, Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba, is reportedly still missing, having been abducted on January 14.
Deputy for Northern Uganda, Lina Zedriga Waru, is reportedly still missing, after the abduction from her home on January 15.
Veteran opposition politician, Warren Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since his abduction in Kenya by Uganda forces, on charges of terrorism.
His health is said to be deteriorating.
Museveni in power since 1986, is scheduled to be sworn in for his seventh term in May.
He is believed to be grooming Kainerugaba (51) as his successor.
From his admiration of Donald Trump, his justification of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to threats to invade Kenya and capture Sudan, Kainerugaba is a divisive figure.
– CAJ News