The U.S. Embassy in Uganda has urged American citizens to exercise heightened caution following reports of teargas use and warning shots fired by security forces to disperse gatherings amid post-election unrest. The advisory, issued on Friday, warns that the situation remains fluid and could change rapidly as the East African nation awaits final election results.
The embassy specifically advised U.S. citizens to avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations, as these can escalate without warning. Americans in Uganda were also encouraged to monitor local media closely, limit unnecessary movements, and maintain a low profile to reduce the risk of encountering unrest.
Additional guidance included staying aware of one’s surroundings, carrying a charged mobile phone with emergency contacts saved, and keeping proper identification readily available. Citizens were specifically reminded to carry a valid U.S. passport with a current Ugandan visa at all times.
“U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise enhanced caution, avoid large public gatherings, and limit unnecessary movements,” the embassy statement read in part.
The advisory comes after Thursday’s general election, during which violence was reported in Butambala. Local reports indicate that at least seven people were killed and 25 others were arrested in the aftermath of the polls.
Tensions were further inflamed by claims from the opposition National Unity Platform that its leader, Bobi Wine, had been forcibly taken from his home by the Ugandan army and transported to an unknown location. Army spokesman Chris Magezi dismissed the allegations as “baseless and unfounded,” asserting that they were intended to incite Wine’s supporters.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Electoral Commission has reported that President Yoweri Museveni is leading the presidential race with 76.25 percent of the vote. Wine, his main challenger, has reportedly garnered 19.85 percent, with the remainder split among six other candidates.
As Ugandans await the final results, the security situation remains tense, and the embassy’s advisory underscores the need for foreign nationals to take precautions amid growing concerns over potential unrest and instability in the country.
