Police fire tear gas at opposition supporters in Mbale August 8
Category: Unrest
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
08/08/2020 (Uganda) - On Saturday, August 8, police in Mbale (Eastern region) fired tear gas to disperse supporters of Kyadondo East MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) party leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known by his stage name as a popular music artist Bobi Wine. The presidential aspirant was scheduled to appear on a local radio station for a talk show between 09:00 and 11:00 (local time). His supporters gathered outside the Bugiusu Cooperative Union (BCU) radio station building from 07:00 and police were deployed to disperse them. Clashes broke out between the crowd and security forces, who responded with tear gas. There are reports of several arrests being made by police.
Further unrest and associated disruptions are possible over the near term.
Context
Robert Kyagulanyi has become a prominent opposition talisman following his move into politics in 2017. The outspoken critic of President Yoweri Museveni has twice been arrested by security forces on charges related to anti-government protests and both arrests sparked unrest amongst his populist support base. In July 2019 Kyagulanyi announced his bid to run for President in the 2021 general election. In July 2020 he assumed leadership of the National Unity, Reconciliation and development Party and revamped it as the National Unity Platform, becoming the party's de facto presidential candidate.
Those in Mbale are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests, demonstrations, and political gatherings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.