Museveni: ‘Madness’ to hold general election in Uganda

Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, has said it would be “madness” to hold a general election while Uganda was still in the throes of covid-19.

Speaking to the Ugandan broadcaster NBS, the president said if the pandemic had not been brought under control by July, plans to hold the election in early 2021 would have to be reviewed.

So far Uganda has recorded 122 positive cases of the virus, none of whom have died.

All public gatherings, including political rallies, have been banned as part of social distancing measures designed to curb the spread of the virus.

At least 24 candidates expressed a desire to run against the president in the election prior to the virus’s outbreak and had begun organising grassroot meetings.

The best-known challenger is opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, who made his name as a popular singer before moving into politics.

Many of those who have challenged the president face intimidation and arrest, including Wine, who has been detained on several occasions and charged with treason.

In April a member of Wine’s party, Francis Zaake, was arrested and charged with attempted murder for delivering food aid to his constituents.

When Zaake was due to appear in court, he was unable to walk or see and required supplemental oxygen, after reportedly being tortured by members of the security services.

President Museveni, 75, who has held onto power since 1986, has defended his actions, saying only those who mix politics with subversion are arrested.

[Photo: Reuters/Henry Nicholls]