Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, has made a plea to the international community to impose sanctions on President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in Switzerland, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) accused the government of “systematic violations” including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The appeal comes in the wake of the country’s January 15 general election, the results of which Mr Kyagulanyi has rejected, citing widespread fraud.
“We think the international community has abandoned us and left us on our own,” he told delegates. “We are only asking for targeted sanctions against Gen Museveni, his son Gen Muhoozi and other top police and judicial officers who have blocked the justice system.”
‘Unpatriotic’ claims
The Ugandan government has reacted angrily to the speech, describing the opposition leader’s comments as “reckless.”
Sandor Walusimbi, the presidential press secretary, said Uganda remained stable and that the electoral process had been peaceful.
“Where is Bobi Wine’s sense of patriotic duty to Uganda and Africa?” Mr Walusimbi asked, adding that institutions were operating normally and there was no “national crisis.”
Life in hiding
Mr Kyagulanyi, who has become the most prominent challenger to Mr Museveni’s 40-year rule, claimed he was currently in hiding.
He alleged that Gen Muhoozi, who is the head of the Ugandan military, had issued an order for him to be taken “dead or alive.”
The NUP leader also highlighted the plight of his deputies, several of whom have been arrested since the election. These include Lina Zedriga and Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, who face charges of incitement to violence, and Muwanga Kivumbi, who is facing treason charges.
A disputed victory
Official results from the January polls handed President Museveni a seventh term in office. However, the lead-up to the vote was marred by violence and the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters.
Human rights groups have previously raised concerns over the role of the security forces during the election period. Despite these reports, the government maintains that any arrests were made in accordance with the law to maintain public order.
Mr Kyagulanyi urged Uganda’s international development partners to reconsider the financial aid they provide to the government, arguing that previous appeals for help had yielded little result.
