At least one person was killed during a rally for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, police said on Friday.
The incident marked another flashpoint in a tense campaign season ahead of January’s elections, where political tempers continue to flare.
President Yoweri Museveni, seeking to extend his four decades in power, faces mounting pressure from Wine, a popular musician-turned-politician.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has galvanised young voters but confronts a deeply entrenched state machinery aligned with the 81-year-old leader.
Police said security forces in eastern Iganga town responded after officers were allegedly attacked by crowds throwing stones during the rally.
Authorities reported “one civilian fatality” when officers dispersed what they described as violent groups incited by Wine’s supporters.
Several suspects were arrested, and police warned that confronting armed officers carried “grave risks” and would be met with “decisive action”.
A rally in Kampala earlier this week also drew massive crowds, with police deploying tear gas at one location, according to AFP.
Wine condemned the security forces, saying he would continue campaigning until Museveni left power, regardless of the risks faced by his supporters.
He accused officers of firing live bullets at peaceful crowds, killing at least one person and injuring several others after the rally ended.
Wine added that three people were “severely injured” and were fighting for their lives in hospital following the clashes.
The opposition figure previously lost to Museveni in the disputed 2021 election, which was marred by reports of violence and irregularities.
Wine has been repeatedly detained and claims he has endured torture in police and military custody during earlier crackdowns.
Museveni’s son and army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has fuelled tensions by posting threats against Wine on social media.
Museveni’s campaign has focused on preserving the achievements of his long rule and lifting Uganda toward high middle-income status.
Despite his historic role in ending dictatorship in the 1980s, critics accuse Museveni of steering the country toward growing authoritarianism.
