Ahead of election, Uganda's security forces are accused of violence against the opposition

Security forces in Uganda are reported to have used tear gas and other force at opposition rallies ahead of the Jan. 15 presidential election, and opposition leader Bobi Wine says at least three supporters have been killed.

Opposition rallies in Uganda have been met with tear gas and other force as the country approaches a presidential election set for Jan. 15. Opposition leader Bobi Wine says security forces have largely taken over the election and that at least three of his supporters have been killed during campaign events. President Yoweri Museveni urged security forces to use tear gas rather than live bullets in a recent address. Rights groups and some civic leaders say opponents and critics have faced arrests and other constraints ahead of the vote. What is reported: - Tear gas, pepper spray and physical dispersals at opposition rallies have been reported by news outlets and human rights organizations. - Bobi Wine has said the military has been heavily involved in election operations and that at least three supporters were killed at campaign events. - President Museveni publicly encouraged security forces to use tear gas to break up crowds and described some opposition figures as criminal. - Civic leader Sarah Bireete was arrested on allegations related to voter registry data and was remanded to jail until Jan. 21, according to the report. Summary: The reported use of force and arrests has heightened concerns about the campaigning environment ahead of the Jan. 15 presidential election. The election is scheduled for Jan. 15, and a magistrate remanded Sarah Bireete until Jan. 21; further legal or accountability steps were not specified in the report.