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Humor and Quirks
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'From bad to worse': Ugandan opposition figure describes struggle ahead of next year's vote

From Bad to Worse: Ugandan Opposition Figure Describes Struggle Ahead of Next Year's Vote

In the heart of Kampala, where the bustling streets often echo with the sounds of protest and police sirens, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine paints a grim picture of the political landscape as the country gears up for next year's presidential elections. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has emerged as a symbol of resistance against President Yoweri Museveni's long-standing rule. In a recent interview, Wine described the escalating challenges faced by opposition figures, warning that the situation is deteriorating from bad to worse. With Museveni in power since 1986, the upcoming vote represents yet another test for Uganda's fragile democracy, one marred by allegations of voter suppression, violence, and institutional bias.

Wine's journey into politics began as a popular musician, using his platform to critique social injustices through songs that resonated with Uganda's youth. His transition to a full-fledged politician in 2017, when he won a parliamentary seat, marked the beginning of a turbulent path. Since then, he has faced repeated arrests, beatings, and legal battles, which he attributes to the government's efforts to silence dissent. "It's not just about me," Wine said in the interview. "It's about the entire opposition movement. The regime is tightening its grip, making it nearly impossible for us to campaign freely." He recounted how, during the 2021 elections, his campaign was disrupted by security forces, leading to the deaths of dozens of supporters in clashes with police. The memories of those events still haunt him, and he fears a repeat—or something even more severe—in the lead-up to the next polls.

The broader context of Uganda's political strife is rooted in Museveni's iron-fisted governance. Having seized power after a bush war, Museveni initially promised stability and development, transforming Uganda from a war-torn nation into one with relative economic growth. However, critics argue that this progress has come at the cost of democratic freedoms. Over the decades, Museveni has amended the constitution to remove term limits and age restrictions, effectively paving the way for his indefinite rule. Opposition parties, including Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP), accuse the government of manipulating electoral processes through the Electoral Commission, which they claim is stacked with Museveni loyalists. International observers, such as those from the European Union and Human Rights Watch, have echoed these concerns, documenting widespread irregularities in past elections.

Wine elaborated on the specific tactics employed by the regime to stifle opposition. He described a pattern of arbitrary detentions, where opposition members are arrested on trumped-up charges like inciting violence or treason. "I've been arrested more times than I can count," Wine shared, recalling an incident in 2018 when he was detained and allegedly tortured following a by-election in Arua. That event sparked nationwide protests and drew global attention to Uganda's human rights abuses. More recently, Wine highlighted the government's use of COVID-19 restrictions as a pretext to ban opposition rallies while allowing ruling party events to proceed unchecked. "They weaponize the law and public health to keep us off the streets," he said. This selective enforcement, according to Wine, has created an uneven playing field, where the opposition struggles to mobilize supporters without facing immediate crackdowns.

Beyond physical repression, Wine pointed to the psychological toll on activists and the general populace. Fear permeates Ugandan society, with many citizens reluctant to openly support opposition figures due to risks of job loss, harassment, or worse. "People whisper their support in private, but in public, they stay silent to protect their families," Wine explained. This climate of intimidation extends to the media, where journalists covering opposition activities face censorship or imprisonment. Independent outlets have been shut down, and social media blackouts during election periods have become commonplace, limiting the flow of information and hindering organizing efforts.

Looking ahead to next year's vote, Wine outlined the formidable obstacles that lie in wait. He anticipates increased surveillance, with the government deploying advanced technology to monitor opposition communications. Reports of spyware use against critics have surfaced, raising alarms about privacy invasions. Furthermore, Wine expressed concerns over voter registration processes, claiming that gerrymandering and the exclusion of young voters— a key demographic for the opposition—could skew the results. "The youth are our strength, but the system is designed to disenfranchise them," he noted, referencing Uganda's burgeoning population under 30, many of whom are disillusioned with Museveni's rule amid high unemployment and economic inequality.

Despite these daunting challenges, Wine remains defiant, emphasizing the resilience of the opposition movement. He draws inspiration from regional examples, such as Kenya's recent political shifts and Tanzania's transitions, suggesting that change is possible even in entrenched authoritarian systems. "We are building a coalition, not just within Uganda but with international allies who see the injustice," Wine said. He called for greater involvement from the African Union and Western governments to pressure Museveni for fair elections, including demands for independent observers and reforms to the security apparatus.

Wine also touched on the personal sacrifices involved in his struggle. As a father and husband, he has endured separation from his family during periods of house arrest and exile. His wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, has become an activist in her own right, facing her own share of threats. "This fight is for our children's future," Wine reflected. "If we give up now, what kind of Uganda will they inherit?" He urged Ugandans to register to vote en masse and to document any irregularities, turning smartphones into tools of accountability.

The opposition's strategy moving forward includes grassroots organizing in rural areas, where Museveni's support base remains strong due to patronage networks. Wine plans to focus on issues like corruption, land grabs, and healthcare failures, which resonate across urban-rural divides. However, he acknowledged the risks: "Every rally could turn into a battlefield." Recent incidents, such as the arrest of NUP lawmakers and the disappearance of activists, underscore this peril.

International reactions to Uganda's political woes have been mixed. While the United States and European nations have imposed sanctions on Ugandan officials implicated in human rights violations, enforcement has been inconsistent. Wine criticized what he sees as double standards, where economic interests—such as oil deals in Uganda's Albertine region—trump democratic concerns. "The world watches, but action is slow," he lamented.

As the election draws nearer, the stakes could not be higher. Museveni, now in his late 70s, shows no signs of stepping down, positioning his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as a potential successor in what critics call a dynastic ploy. Wine warns that without significant reforms, the vote could descend into chaos, potentially leading to widespread unrest. "From bad to worse—that's the trajectory unless we fight back," he concluded.

In essence, Wine's narrative is one of perseverance amid adversity. It highlights the broader struggle for democracy in Africa, where aging leaders cling to power through repression. For Uganda, the coming months will test the limits of public tolerance and international resolve. Whether the opposition can overcome these hurdles remains uncertain, but Wine's message is clear: the fight for a free Uganda is far from over. As the nation stands on the precipice of another electoral showdown, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful path forward. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/news/world/africa/from-bad-to-worse-ugandan-opposition-figure-describes-struggle-ahead-of-next-years-vote/article_a5ce3e28-abdb-5f78-94b3-4a96cb0758cf.html ]