This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
Charles Onyango-Obbo, a renowned Ugandan journalist, has been observing the country's politics for years. In his latest article, he highlights the stark contrast between the government's response to opposition leaders and the people's desire for change.
At the heart of this story is the Kalerwe roundabout, a frenetically busy market town northeast of Kampala. The roundabout is home to two peculiar 'monuments': a big armoured vehicle with a menacing plough attached to its front and an anti-riot water cannon. These are not mere sculptures, but real police vehicles, heavily armed and ready to spring into action.
These vehicles have been stationed at Kalerwe for nearly 10 years, a testament to the government's iron-fisted approach to opposition. President Yoweri Museveni's regime has been in power for 18 years, and in that time, it has become increasingly repressive.
The people of Kalerwe and the surrounding area are predominantly opposition supporters. They see the permanent police presence as an occupation, a constant reminder of the government's willingness to use force to maintain power.
Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has been a thorn in the government's side for years. His home is under police cordon, and he has been subjected to 'house arrest' for nearly a decade. Besigye's bravery is admirable, but it has resulted in a stalemate. The government has become adept at containing him, and the people have grown tired of the same old tactics.
Enter Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician who has become the new face of opposition. His 'People Power' movement has captured the imagination of the young, who see him as a superhero, always one step ahead of the authorities. Wine's elusiveness has made him a hero to many, and his message of resistance has resonated with the people.
As Onyango-Obbo notes, 'Bobi Wine is more elusive. He escapes, he hides, and they keep chasing him around, that's smart.' The people have grown tired of Besigye's old-school martyrdom and are now drawn to Wine's subversive tactics.
As the government continues to crack down on opposition, it's clear that the people will not be silenced. The Kalerwe roundabout remains a potent symbol of the government's repression, but it also serves as a reminder of the people's determination to resist.
