Kampala: At least 550 people, including members of Uganda's main opposition party, have been arrested or detained ahead of January's elections, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported on Wednesday.According to EMM, OHCHR said heavily armed security forces have been deployed to areas where rallies of the National Unity Platform (NUP) are planned. Last week, officers reportedly used live ammunition in the eastern town of Iganga, killing at least one person and injuring at least three others.It is deeply regrettable that election campaigns have once again been marked by widespread arbitrary arrests, detentions, and the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against the opposition, as well as undue restriction of press freedom, said UN human rights chief Volker Trk. Reports of enforced disappearance and torture of NUP supporters have increased over the past year, OHCHR warned.Security forces are accused of using unmarked minibuses known as drones to take people to unofficial detention sites or sa fe houses, where they are allegedly held incommunicado. Earlier this year, the head of the military posted on X that he was holding the bodyguard of the NUP leader in his basement. Following a public outcry, the bodyguard was later presented in court, visibly shaking and showing other signs of physical abuse. Mr. Trk urged the authorities to investigate all allegations of ill-treatment fully and impartially. OHCHR added that at least 32 journalists and media workers were assaulted or had their equipment confiscated by security personnel during a parliamentary by-election in March.
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