Besigye Faces Police Brutality Due to Indiscipline; I Don't Hear Mao in Such Conflicts – M7 in 2016

The issue of political violence in Uganda, especially during elections, has been a long-standing source of tension. President Yoweri Museveni has frequently blamed opposition leaders for these conflicts.

This was once again evident during the 2025 Kawempe North by-election, where Museveni accused opposition members of being responsible for electoral violence and misconduct.

Reports of ballot stuffing, destruction of ballot boxes, voter intimidation, and illegal campaigning emerged during the election. In response, Museveni called for investigations and promised legal consequences for those involved.

He also acknowledged the deployment of elite military forces to ensure security at the polling stations, asserting the government’s control over the situation and maintaining peace.

This recent accusation mirrors statements made by Museveni in 2016, during a government retreat in Kyankwanzi. At that time, he blamed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye for fueling police violence.

Museveni argued that Besigye’s actions, labelled as “indiscipline and lawlessness,” led to confrontations between the opposition and law enforcement.

He also noted that other opposition figures, such as Cecilia Ogwal (RIP) and Norbert Mao, were not involved in similar clashes, implying that Besigye’s behaviour was the main cause of the unrest.

The pattern of blaming opposition leaders for electoral violence has provoked strong reactions from the opposition. Opposition leaders, including those aligned with Dr. Besigye, have rejected the accusations, arguing that the government, not the opposition, is responsible for the violence.

They point to the use of military forces and alleged misconduct by state actors.

Critics argue that the government’s focus on blaming the opposition detracts from the real issues of electoral fairness, voter rights, and police conduct. They believe that the deployment of military forces during elections only heightens tensions and makes it difficult to hold those in power accountable.

They also claim that allegations of electoral fraud and police brutality are often ignored, despite the significant role of government forces in these situations.

These ongoing tensions reveal deep political divisions within Uganda. Both sides, those in power and the opposition, continue to accuse each other of misconduct, leading to a political climate marked by suspicion and distrust.

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