Ugandan military deployed in Kampala ahead of election

The Ugandan military has been deployed in the capital city of Kampala ahead of the presidential election on January 15th, as reported by Africa News via AP on January 13th.

Final campaign rallies were held by President Yoweri Museveni, of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and his opponents, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

There are six other candidates running for election in Uganda, a country with a population of approximately 45 million people, and an estimated 21.6 million registered voters.

It was reported on January 12th that security forces had been deployed to major Ugandan cities, with an army spokesperson saying the deployment of infantry units and armoured vehicles was in response to “threats of violence” and to prevent “violence” during the election.

Museveni has held office since 1986, despite not being formally elected until 1996. The 81-year-old’s grip on power has led to Parliament becoming largely subservient to the president, while elections since 2001 have been marred by allegations of rigging and military interference.

Roughly three-quarters of Uganda’s population is under 35, and many have become disillusioned with Museveni’s administration due to unemployment and governance failures.

Ugandan authorities have been condemned by the UN for cracking down on activists and journalists critical of Museveni. Since early 2025, at least 550 people have been arrested and detained by security forces, including members of the NUP.

It was reported on December 8th that Wine and his campaign team were beaten by security forces while campaigning in the northern city of Gulu, with Wine stating “the military attacked and vandalised” his team’s Gulu-based office.

Amnesty International has accused Ugandan security forces of using torture and arbitrary arrests to suppress protestors, while also firing tear gas at NUP supporters.

Furthermore, another prominent opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, is facing trial for treason. The 68-year-old was arrested in November 2024 on charges of carrying two pistols and seeking foreign military support to destabilise national security.

In January 2025, a military court ruled that Besigye would face the death penalty if convicted of the charges. Besigye has repeatedly contested the charges, arguing that he should be tried under civil jurisdiction.

Uganda’s High Court denied Besigye’s request for bail on December 30th, with Besigye arguing that his prosecution for allegedly plotting to overthrow Museveni’s government amounted to persecution.

Africa News via AP, Maghrebi.org