04 Oct 2017 | 12:00 AM UTC
Uganda: Opposition politicians attacked in Kampala Oct. 3
Unidentified attackers target opposition politicians with grenades in Kampala on October 3; no casualties reported
Event
Grenade attacks occurred at the homes of two opposition members of parliament (MPs) in Kampala in the early hours of Tuesday, October 3. According to police officials, grenades were thrown at the homes of Allan Ssewanya and Robert Kyagulanyi. No casualties were reported. Kyagulanyi reportedly stated on social media that this was the second time in two days that his house had been attacked. Last week, opposition MP Moses Kasibante was also targeted, but not injured, in a grenade attack on his home. It is suspected that the incidents are attempts to intimidate the MPs, who are opposed to amending the constitution to allow President Yoweri Museveni to run for another term of office.
The attacks came just hours before a bill was introduced to parliament that would allow President Yoweri to extend his time in power. The bill now goes to a parliamentary committee, which will hold public hearings on it, before it is returned to the MPs for debate and a final vote. Protests against the bill are likely in the coming days.
Context
Opposition supporters are concerned that President Museveni will attempt to amend the constitution to allow himself to run for another term in 2021. Under the current laws, the president must be under the age of 75 upon election. Museveni will by 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 days in response to a series of protests against the bill. Protests against the bill on September 21 were dispersed by police with rubber bullets and tear gas, and arrested at least 11 people during a protest on September 18. Police have also raided the offices of at least two pro-democracy
organizations in Kampala and arrested the mayor of the capital - an
opposition party member- over allegations that he planned to attend the September 21 protest.
Advice
Individuals in Uganda are advised to monitor developments in the political situation and to avoid any public demonstrations.
