The United States Embassy in Uganda has issued a security alert to its citizens following escalating tensions ahead of the country’s high-stakes general election, in which long-serving President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is seeking to retain power for a seventh term.
In a statement, the Embassy cautioned U.S. nationals in Uganda after reports that security forces had dispersed agitated crowds using tear gas and warning shots, incidents that reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by former musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Uganda Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe stated that the deceased NUP supporters were shot after they allegedly attacked a police station and attempted to overrun a vote-tallying centre. She said officers acted in “self-defence” under the circumstances.
The U.S. Embassy urged its citizens to exercise heightened caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and limit non-essential movement as the political environment remains charged. The advisory comes amid campaign-period violence and allegations of opposition repression, concerns that have also been raised by international organizations including the United Nations and Amnesty International.
The Embassy further advised U.S. nationals to take precautionary measures such as closely monitoring local media, maintaining a low profile, remaining aware of their surroundings, carrying fully charged mobile phones with emergency contacts saved, and keeping proper identification on hand, including a valid U.S. passport and current Ugandan visa. Citizens were also encouraged to contact the Embassy should they require assistance.
As of Thursday evening, provisional results indicated that President Museveni had secured a commanding lead, polling approximately 75 percent of the vote, while his main challenger, Bobi Wine, trailed with about 21 percent. Museveni has previously projected an even wider margin of victory, asserting confidence in retaining power if the opposition does not “cheat.” An estimated 21.6 million registered voters were eligible to decide whether Uganda would continue under Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule or shift toward political change.
Earlier, the United Nations called on Uganda’s Electoral Commission to ensure that all registered voters are able to exercise their franchise peacefully, expressing concern that repression by security forces against opposition groups could discourage voter participation.
Amnesty International has also reported widespread abuses, alleging that security forces targeted opposition rallies, used excessive force, and subjected some participants to torture or other forms of ill-treatment. The organization stated that police fired tear gas at peaceful crowds in Kawempe and Iganga, and that officers pepper-sprayed, beat civilians, and imposed movement restrictions aimed at disrupting NUP campaign activities.
“The authorities have launched a brutal campaign of repression against the opposition and its supporters, making it extremely difficult for them to exercise their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
President Museveni first came to power in 1986 after leading a five-year guerrilla war through the National Resistance Army (NRA) against the government of Milton Obote and the short-lived military junta that followed. His ascent ended years of political instability marked by coups, civil conflict, and economic decline. Museveni initially presented himself as a reformist leader, pledging national unity, security, and democratic renewal.
In 1995, Uganda adopted a new Constitution that introduced presidential term limits, restricting leaders to two five-year terms. Museveni was elected under this framework in 1996 and re-elected in 2001. However, in 2005, Parliament, dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), amended the Constitution to remove term limits, allowing Museveni to contest indefinitely. The move drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who viewed it as a setback to democratic consolidation.
A second constitutional safeguard was removed in 2017, when Parliament scrapped the presidential age limit of 75 years, paving the way for Museveni, then in his early seventies, to continue running for office. The amendment was passed amid protests, a heavy security presence in Parliament, and allegations of political pressure, further deepening concerns about democratic backsliding and the concentration of executive power.
Since then, Museveni has remained in office through successive elections, while opposition figures—most notably Bobi Wine, have repeatedly accused the government of electoral manipulation, suppression of dissent, and the use of state security forces to intimidate political rivals. The removal of term and age limits continues to fuel debate over governance, legitimacy, and political succession in Uganda.
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