Uganda: Protests possible after incumbent declared winner of presidential elections, Jan. 17 /update 3

Event

Further protests and other forms of civil unrest, fueled by allegations of government harassment and intimidation against opponents and critics of President Yoweri Museveni, are possible nationwide following the country's Jan. 14 general election. Yoweri Museveni was announced as the victor with almost 59 percent of the vote Jan. 17; the main opposition candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, received 35 percent. Ssentamu has rejected the vote count, claiming that the election process was fraudulent, and stated his party will contest the election result. The politician has also accused security of placing him under de facto house arrest by deploying a large security contingent outside his property.

Security forces will remain deployed in major urban centers and near opposition events - especially those organized by Ssentamu's campaign - as a deterrent in the coming days. Protesters have clashed with security forces in the past; attempts by security forces to disperse gatherings or prevent activists from assembling could increase the potential for disturbances. Police may use tear gas, water cannon, batons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse protesters. Ground travel disruptions are likely near all protest sites.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Liaise with trusted contacts regarding possible protests and gathering sites in Uganda. Heed the directives of the security forces. Plan for possible transport disruptions. If violence breaks out nearby, leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, non-governmental building.