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'People power' opposition supporters shout as voting count in Uganda election turns violent
Heavily-armed military officers yell at us to kneel on the ground in front of the shuttered shop fronts facing Kibuye roundabout in central Kampala as the jolting sounds of gunfire and stun grenades ring out.
Dozens of soldiers gather to enforce the temporary detention. Some are in balaclavas, and others are bare-faced and berating.
It is clear from their threats that journalists are as unwelcome as the protesters calling for an end to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's 40-year rule. Eventually, we are pardoned by a senior commander who directs his soldiers to return our cameras and says: "I forgive you, but don't embarrass us." Uganda has been plunged into a state-enforced internet blackout, and the media are being forcefully restricted from reporting on the unfolding scenes of unrest, as votes for the next president are tallied and disputed.
When we first arrived at the frenetic roundabout to film the crackdown on protesters, a local journalist showed us the dent of a baton on his bicep and warned: "I told them I was press and they beat me." 'People Power' Across the road, a man sprints away from a huddle of soldiers who hang back to search and beat another man before taking him away. Men driving Boda Boda motorcycle taxis express their discontent from across the street before nearby gunfire drives them off.
Drivers yell "people power!" from their cars, one of the rallying cries of opposition leader Bobi Wine. One man holds firm on the side of the road to express himself, saying: "Right now, people are voting for Bobi Wine.
He has been cheated of his vote!" A large billboard of Mr Museveni hovers above this chaos. His election campaign slogan, "protecting the gains.
Amir Nisi
Creative and experienced content writer with 6+ years of experience lazy to create unique content strategy for News5 to turn website visitors into customers.
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