Kenya: Ugandan activists to hold a protest march in Nairobi Jan. 22

Event

Members of the Ugandan National Unity Platform Party (NUP) in Kenya have called for a protest march in the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi Jan. 22. The purpose of the demonstration is to oppose the result of Uganda's Jan. 14 presidential elections. Participants will gather from 1000 in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) and march to the Ugandan High Commission. It remains unclear what route and starting points participants will use.

An increased security presence is likely in the protest area and along the march routes. Security forces may attempt to disperse participants using force. Transport disruptions are also possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Context

At least four activists were reportedly injured and arrested in Nairobi during a previous protest against alleged right violations in Uganda ahead of the presidential polls. On Jan. 17, the Ugandan Electoral Commission (UEC) declared the incumbent President, Yoweri Museveni, the winner of the presidential elections with almost 59 percent of the vote. The opposition candidate, NUP's leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (popularly known as Bobi Wine) received only 35 percent of the vote. Since then, Ssentamu remains under de facto house arrest after rejecting the vote count and claiming that the election process was fraudulent. Ssentamu stated his party would contest the election result.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Allow additional time for travel if operating in the Central Business District of Nairobi. Heed the instructions of security officials. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.