Washington has chastised clashes that broke out in Kampala, Uganda and other towns following the arrest of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
The 38-year-old National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate, was arrested yesterday ahead of his campaign rally in Luuka District, Eastern Uganda.
Following his arrest, a scuffle ensued between Bobi Wine’s supporters and Ugandan police leading to the death of several people with several others injured, according to police spokesman Fred Enanga.
In a tweet, the US Uganda Mission, extended sympathy to the victims of the deadly violence and their families as they called the government to end the violence in the country.
“The United States deplores the violence that has claimed multiple lives today, and we extend our sympathy to the victims’ families and loved ones. We urge all parties to renounce violence, undertake good-faith measures to reduce tensions, and respect fundamental freedoms,” it said.
It is worth noting that the United States of America (USA) last month called upon Uganda’s security agencies to ensure freedom of expression and association as the country gears up for the highly anticipated 2021 general elections, and warned of ‘consequences’ against perpetrators.
In a statement issued on Wednesday 28 October 2020, through their Embassy in Kampala, it indicated that Uganda’s upcoming elections have important significance for the country’s democratic development and give expression to the will of the people.
”The United States has a broad and strong partnership with Uganda and its people. Annually, the United States government invests $1 billion in Ugandan communities to promote economic growth and employability, improve health and education, uphold democratic values, and strengthen security.
The United States government reaffirms unequivocally that it does not support any specific candidate or party in Uganda’s upcoming elections. The United States supports the democratic process itself. This includes ensuring the safety of all candidates, respect for the rule of law, and the impartiality of the authorities in charge of managing the elections,” read part of the statement.
We need our country back where democracy can be obtained not in words, we need to be free in our country where we can speak of what hasn’t gone well without fear of losing our lives