Our website use cookies to improve and personalize your experience and to display advertisements (if any). Our website may also include cookies from third parties like Google Adsense, Google Analytics, and Youtube. By using the website, you consent to the use of cookies.

American held in Uganda for “subversive activities”

UGANDA has detained an American national for involvement in subversive activities, amid a deadly crackdown against opponents of longtime President Yoweri Museveni that has drawn growing international censure.

In a brief statement on its Facebook account, Uganda Police said it had arrested the American, Guy Smith, in a town in the country’s west on Sunday.

He was detained “for his alleged involvement in anti government subversive activities. He remains in custody at…as inquiries continue. Any new information will be communicated accordingly,” the statement said.

Police gave no further details.

Advertisements

In an email, a U.S. State Department official said the government was aware of the arrest but did not provide details.

“We have seen reports of a detained U.S. citizen in Uganda. Whenever a U.S. citizen is detained overseas, we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular services.”

Museveni, 76, who has ruled the east African country since 1986, faces an invigorated opposition led by pop star and lawmaker Bobi Wine whose energy and music have galvanised support from the country’s youth.

Wine, 39, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rejected results of the Jan. 14 presidential elections that declared he had lost to Museveni, saying he won but Museveni stole the election using ballot stuffing, intimidation, falsification of tally sheets and other tactics.

Wine has urged supporters to stage protests and assert his victory although during the government crackdown on opponents, his calls have gone largely unheeded.

READ:  Ukraine security service searches monastery, warns of 'subversive activities'

Museveni, in speeches, has depicted Wine as a puppet of foreign interests, including homosexuals although he has not provided proof.

In recent months security personnel have detained hundreds of Wine’s supporters. Some were released after being tortured while others remain in custody. At least 54 people were killed in November as police and the military battled to quell an opposition protest.

Advertisements
By The African Mirror

MORE FROM THIS SECTION