Back in October heavily armed police “besieged” the campaign headquarters of Bobi Wine, who is seeking Uganda’s presidency in elections set for 2021.
The police confiscated security cameras and supplies of the bright red berets that are the symbol of Wine’s popular campaign. It was a sign of things to come.
Wine, who has been arrested many times in recent years, has captured the imagination of many Ugandans with his persistent calls for President Museveni to retire.
Museveni, 76, has ruled Uganda since taking power by force in 1986 and relies on the army to stay in power. On our first morning in Uganda, Chris and I encountered his convoy of cars accompanied by a heavily armed detachment of soldiers. He has succeeded in changing the law to allow himself to stand again.
Peace in Uganda is now very fragile. The January elections could lead to many more deaths.