Uganda's security forces are accused of using tear gas ahead of election

Opposition figures and rights groups say security forces have used tear gas and other tactics at Bobi Wine's campaign events, and President Yoweri Museveni said security forces should use tear gas; the presidential election is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine and human rights groups say Uganda's security forces have repeatedly used tear gas and other crowd-control measures at his campaign rallies ahead of the Jan. 15, 2026, presidential vote. President Yoweri Museveni has publicly said that using tear gas against what he called a criminal opposition is legal and non-lethal. Critics and some civic leaders describe these actions as restricting opposition campaigning and civic space. Key points: - Opposition figures and Amnesty International report the use of tear gas, pepper spray and other tactics at Bobi Wine's events. - President Museveni said security forces should use tear gas to break up crowds and described it as legal and non-lethal. - The presidential election is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026. - A government critic, Sarah Bireete, was remanded in custody with a magistrate setting a return date of Jan. 21, as reported. Summary: Reports from the campaign period indicate security force actions are affecting opposition rallies while the government frames tear gas use as lawful. The election remains set for Jan. 15, 2026, and at least one legal proceeding involving a government critic is scheduled for Jan. 21. Undetermined at this time.