Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, has vowed to take tough action against opposition figures who he claims are trying to overthrow his government through violence. In a victory speech on Sunday, Museveni labeled some of his opponents "terrorists" and accused them of plotting with foreign backers and homosexual groups.
The 81-year-old president secured his seventh term in office with a landslide 72% of the vote, but the poll was marred by heavy repression of opposition activists and an internet blackout. Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), which won 25% of the vote, is still at large after he escaped from police custody on Saturday.
The whereabouts of Wine are currently unknown, but analysts say his disappearance is a sign that security forces are trying to silence him. The government has maintained a ban on social media platforms until further notice, citing concerns over "misinformation" and "incitement to violence".
Human Rights Watch has accused the government of "brutal repression" of the opposition ahead of the vote. The group's report said that reports of intimidation, arrest, and abductions had "instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process".
Museveni's victory speech was seen as an attempt to reassure his supporters that he would take tough action against those who opposed him. He warned Wine and his party that they should "stop everything" because security forces know what they are planning.
However, analysts say that Museveni's grip on power is unlikely to be challenged in the near future. The president has ruled Uganda since 1986, when he seized power at the head of a rebel army. His control over the state and security apparatus makes it difficult for opposition activists to organize mass protests or challenge his authority.
Despite concerns over the electoral process, many Ugandans still praise Museveni for bringing relative peace and prosperity to the country since taking office. However, the opposition's frustration with the election outcome is likely to continue, and Wine's disappearance has raised hopes that he may be able to re-emerge as a key opposition figure in the coming days.
The 81-year-old president secured his seventh term in office with a landslide 72% of the vote, but the poll was marred by heavy repression of opposition activists and an internet blackout. Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), which won 25% of the vote, is still at large after he escaped from police custody on Saturday.
The whereabouts of Wine are currently unknown, but analysts say his disappearance is a sign that security forces are trying to silence him. The government has maintained a ban on social media platforms until further notice, citing concerns over "misinformation" and "incitement to violence".
Human Rights Watch has accused the government of "brutal repression" of the opposition ahead of the vote. The group's report said that reports of intimidation, arrest, and abductions had "instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process".
Museveni's victory speech was seen as an attempt to reassure his supporters that he would take tough action against those who opposed him. He warned Wine and his party that they should "stop everything" because security forces know what they are planning.
However, analysts say that Museveni's grip on power is unlikely to be challenged in the near future. The president has ruled Uganda since 1986, when he seized power at the head of a rebel army. His control over the state and security apparatus makes it difficult for opposition activists to organize mass protests or challenge his authority.
Despite concerns over the electoral process, many Ugandans still praise Museveni for bringing relative peace and prosperity to the country since taking office. However, the opposition's frustration with the election outcome is likely to continue, and Wine's disappearance has raised hopes that he may be able to re-emerge as a key opposition figure in the coming days.
. Have you guys tried it? I mean, they have this amazing buffalo chicken sauce that's literally to die for... anyway, back to Uganda - can't say I'm surprised by Museveni's antics, feels like he's been doing this same thing since the '80s 
. And don't even get me started on how long it takes to get a decent internet connection in Kampala... have you guys ever tried to stream anything when your data is slow? 
I mean, who needs free speech or fair elections when you've got a president who's been in power for like 39 years? 
Museveni's gotta love himself some extra credit points for being able to "silence" his opponents and stifle dissent. 
I guess it's no surprise that the government would resort to internet blackouts and labeling opposition figures as terrorists, though... that's just good old-fashioned fear-mongering. 
Anyway, Bobi Wine might be "at large" right now, but I'm sure he'll pop back up when the time is right. 
And hey, at least Museveni can take comfort in knowing he's got 72% of the vote... or so we're told 
this whole thing feels like something straight out of a movie... you know, where the bad guy gets away with everything? 
and yoweri museveni is definitely playing the role of the main villain 
but honestly i think ugandans are just trying to survive and make ends meet at this point. they need their leaders to provide stability and economic growth, not more drama and fear 
bobi wine might be missing, but it's the government that's really hiding something 
, but it's like he's declared war on Bobi Wine 
. I get why he's trying to silence him, but come on, that's just gonna fuel more drama 
. I'm not saying Wine is innocent or anything, but let's not forget he just escaped from police custody 
... like, what even happens in those situations? 
, no major conflicts, economic growth... it's like the country's been on autopilot. But at the same time, that's also kinda the problem – we're just living in a state of suspended animation 
. I mean, Wine might be a troublemaker, but he's also got a point about all this corruption and electoral shenanigans 
.
. Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – Uganda's politics are never dull 
we need more ppl like him who aren't afraid to stand up for what's right 
this whole thing is super suspicious... like what's going on with all these "misinformation" & "incitement to violence" excuses for a total internet shutdown? 
. i'm just worried about what's gonna happen to him next... will he be able to rally the opposition again? 
.
. If Museveni feels like he has to crack down on dissent, that's only gonna make things worse for Uganda in the long run 
. We'll just have to wait and see how Wine's disappearance plays out 
. I mean, he's been doing this for like 39 yrs already 
. Human Rights Watch should focus on other countries that are actually doing human rights violations, not just giving Museveni a hard time over his election