Death toll climbs in Uganda as protests over Bobi Wine's arrest continue

The death toll from protests over the latest arrest of Ugandan opposition presidential hopeful Bobi Wine has risen to 16, police say.

The death toll from protests in Uganda has risen to 16, police say. Source: AFP

Sixteen people have been killed over two days of demonstrations in Uganda, police say, after the arrest of a popular opposition leader.

Police arrested leading opposition figure and pop star Bobi Wine on the campaign trail for the 2021 election on Wednesday, allegedly for breaching COVID-19 rules about public gatherings, and clashes broke out in Kampala.

"The total number of casualties has increased from three deaths to 16. We are still analysing and receiving reports of the casualties," deputy police spokesman Patrick Onyango said.

He said in a press release that the number of injured was now at 65.

The death toll from protests in Uganda has risen. Source: AFP

Police blamed Wine's supporters for the unrest and said they had responded "by firing teargas, rubber bullets, water cannons, used batons and live bullets to control the violent demonstrators".

They said 350 people had been arrested.

Wine's party spokesman Joel Ssenyonyi told DPA the singer was still in detention on Thursday and not being allowed access to his lawyers.

Uganda is scheduled to hold general elections in January, in which Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is to run for president.

The 38-year-old is known for his trademark red beret and political lyrics, and has huge support among the youth.

People Power supporters are seen in Kampala, Uganda, on 3 November, 2020. Source: AFP

He is running against President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for more than 30 years.

The pop star has been arrested multiple times since announcing his political ambitions.