Uganda witnessed some of its darkest days on November 18 and 19, 2020, when riots broke out in several parts of the country, leaving 54 people dead. The violence sparked by hooligans associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People Power movement escalated into deadly clashes with security forces and created chaos in the affected areas.
The riots began following the arrest of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, during his presidential campaign rally in Luuka District for deliberately violating COVID-19 guidelines on large gatherings.
What started as a disguised protest against his detention quickly devolved into organized attacks, targeting National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters, security personnel, and business owners.
In Kampala, Jinja, and Masaka, groups of rioters took to the streets, blocking major roads, burning tires, and vandalizing properties. Eyewitnesses recounted how some individuals wearing NUP and People Power symbols assaulted civilians wearing NRM colors, robbed businesspeople, and attacked security personnel in an attempt to obtain guns forcefully. There were also instances of violence against innocent bystanders.
Security forces were deployed to restore order, but the confrontations turned violent. As law enforcement officers attempted to disperse the rioters, the situation escalated into running battles. Tear gas and live ammunition were used in some instances to quell the unrest.
The violence left 54 people dead, including protesters and bystanders. Hundreds more were injured, while over 800 suspects were arrested in connection with the riots.
The Uganda Police Force later described the protests as “premeditated acts of violence” orchestrated to destabilize the country ahead of the 2021 general elections.
“The rioters attacked police officers, set vehicles ablaze, and disrupted public order,” said Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga. “Security forces acted to restore calm and protect lives and property.”
Prior to the riots, Bobi Wine, who was moving with a gang of people power goons, had on several occasions attempted to provoke security personnel, but they exercised maximum restraint. In one incident, Bobi Wine pulled off a mask from a police officer’s mouth, and in another incident, Bobi Wine’s convoy attempted to knock dead soldiers who were manning a checkpoint.
It is against this backdrop that one would argue that Bobi Wine and his people power goons premeditated the November 18 riots that resulted in the deaths of tens of Ugandans.
The events of November 18, 2020, remain a grim reminder of the consequences of political violence that NUP and People Power have been cultivating since their inception.
While opinions differ on who bears responsibility, the victims of that fateful day stand as a solemn testament to the need for unity and restraint during politically charged times
