Uganda: Deadly clashes during Kampala protest Oct. 18

Event

At least one person was killed in Kampala on Wednesday, October 18, after police fired live ammunition and teargas as they attempted to disperse protesters. The crowd had gathered to protest plans to amend the country’s constitution in order to permit President Yoweri Museveni to seek another term in the 2021 presidential election. Officials issued a decree banning the protests on Wednesday, and declared any such demonstrations as “incitements to violence.” Meanwhile, the opposition leader in parliament, Winnie Kiiza, declared the ban to be “unconstitutional” and vowed to fight it by all possible means.

Further protests related to the proposed constitutional change are likely in the coming days, particularly in Kampala. Violent clashes between protesters and security personnel are possible, as well as localized transportation disruptions.

Context

Opposition groups oppose a proposed amendment to the constitution that would allow Museveni to run for another term in 2021. A bill to make the change has been introduced in parliament, but a timeline for the debate has yet to be determined. Under the current laws, the president must be under the age of 75 upon election. Museveni will be 77 by the time of the next vote. He has been in power since 1986.

Additional security forces have been deployed in Kampala in recent weeks in response to a series of protests against the bill.

Advice

Individuals in Uganda are advised to monitor developments in the political situation and to avoid any public demonstrations.