Africa's Uganda has stepped up efforts to save biodiversity as authorities deploy ways to tackle wildlife poachers. Mitigating wildlife threats are a priority.

Uganda steps up efforts to save biodiversity as authorities deploy ways to tackle wildlife poachers

As the rest of the world puts the issue of wildfire conservation on the back burner. Uganda has made efforts to reverse the deterioration of Fauna.

WION Climate Tracker | Uganda Wildlife authority deploys ways to tackle poachers

Monkeypox and Covid-19 have raised awareness around the world about Zoonotic diseases which are passed between the animals and human beings. The Ugandan government has now built laboratories that track Zoonotic diseases in national park where communities live very close to a wide variety of wildlife.

New Ugandan lab gives early alerts for Zoonotic diseases

In this episode of the Global Leadership Series, watch Uganda President Yoweri Museveni speaking exclusively to WION. Museveni said that African Union and ECOWAS are weak organisations.

Global Leadership Series: Uganda President Yoweri Museveni speaks exclusively to WION

In one of&nbsp;Uganda's poorest and most lawless regions, anxious mothers clutch bone-thin infants in a malnutrition ward, terrified their child could be next to succumb to starvation in Karamoja.

One of Maria Logiel's youngsters, too weak to sit up, bears telltale skin lesions caused by extreme&nbsp;hunger. The other, strapped to her back, stares gauntly from sunken eyes.&nbsp;

"I came with these two because they were badly off, and going to die," Logiel told AFP at a hospital in Karamoja, a vast and isolated northeastern border region afflicted by drought, disease and armed bands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-debt-trap-strategy-uganda-set-to-lose-its-only-international-airport-to-beijing-432465">China's debt trap strategy: Uganda set to lose its only international airport to Beijing</a>

"(But) I left two others home, and I worry that by the time I get back, they'll be no more," the 30-year-old mother said.

More than half a million people are going hungry in Karamoja, some 40 per cent of the population of this neglected, long-suffering rural region between South Sudan and Kenya.

Natural disasters, plagues of locusts and army worms, and raids by heavily-armed cattle thieves have left little to eat.

As food has become ever more scarce, Karamoja's most vulnerable residents are struggling to survive.

"In three months we have lost more than 25&nbsp;children&nbsp;under five due to the malnutrition," said Doctor Sharif Nalibe, the district health officer in Kaabong, one of Karamoja's worst-hit districts.

"And these were the ones under our care, but (who) were brought at the last minute to the hospital. But there are many who die and (are) not reported in the communities."

Out of sight

Starvation in Karamoja is going largely unnoticed as higher-profile crises, including looming&nbsp;famine&nbsp;in the Horn of Africa, and the war in Ukraine, compel global attention.

Even in&nbsp;Uganda, the desperation is out of sight, unfolding 500 kilometres (310 miles) from the capital Kampala in a part of the country long written off as harsh and volatile.

But the level of hardship is extraordinary, even by the extremes sometimes endured in Karamoja.

Watch |&nbsp;Uganda sees a surge in domestic tourism as it witnesses a post-pandemic boom

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-sees-a-surge-in-domestic-tourism-as-it-witnesses-a-post-pandemic-boom-475822/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Across the region, about 91,600&nbsp;children&nbsp;and 9,500 pregnant or breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition and need treatment, according to the latest assessment by humanitarian agencies and foreign donors.

"In terms of acute malnutrition... this year we have experienced the worst that we have had in the last 10 years," said Alex Mokori, a nutrition specialist from&nbsp;UNICEF, which is screening for malnutrition in Karamoja with local authorities.

Logiel said she resorted to foraging to put food on the table, but the wild plants often made her&nbsp;children&nbsp;sicker.

In desperation, she would sometimes purchase the mealy dregs from a popular locally-made sorghum brew called "malwa", even if the effect was mildly alcoholic.

Half a litre of this residue goes for about 40 US cents -- often more than she could afford.

"Often we failed to raise money and the&nbsp;children&nbsp;sleep hungry," Logiel said.

Worse to come

With a porous border and thriving illicit trade, Karamoja has endured decades of tit-for-tat armed cattle raids between nomadic clans that wander the lawless frontier between&nbsp;Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya.

These incursions make life even more miserable for Karimojong communities entirely reliant on livestock and crops to survive, and government interventions to disarm rustlers have not stopped the cycles of violence.

The erratic effects of a changing climate -- Karamoja is experiencing harsh drought, but last year witnessed damaging floods and landslides -- have only multiplied the hardships bearing down on the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ugandan-leaders-son-leaves-military-in-move-seen-as-preparing-for-presidency-460297">Ugandan leader's son leaves military, in move seen as preparing for presidency</a>

"Now, with the prolonged drought, and cattle rustlers, and communities left with no source of livelihood, we are heading for the worst," said Nalibe, the Kaabong district health officer.

For some, the worst has already arrived.

Nangole Lopwon went to sell firewood in a nearby village and left her hungry twins with one of her older&nbsp;children, only to return and find one of the young ones had died.

"What could I do? The child was not sick. It was purely&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;that killed him," said the mother of five from Kaabong.

Now she, too, is malnourished, and the surviving twin in a dire state.

"Even this one is about to die," she wailed.

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In one of Uganda's poorest and most lawless regions, anxious mothers clutch bone-thin infants in a malnutrition ward, terrified their child could be next to succumb to starvation in Karamoja.

In one of Uganda's poorest and most lawless regions, anxious mothers clutch bone-thin infants in a malnutrition ward, terrified their child could be next to succumb to starvation in Karamoja. One of Maria Logiel's youngsters, too weak to sit up, bears telltale skin lesions caused by extreme hunger. The other, strapped to her back, stares gauntly from sunken eyes. "I came with these two because they were badly off, and going to die," Logiel told AFP at a hospital in Karamoja, a vast and isolated northeastern border region afflicted by drought, disease and armed bands. Also read | China's debt trap strategy: Uganda set to lose its only international airport to Beijing "(But) I left two others home, and I worry that by the time I get back, they'll be no more," the 30-year-old mother said. More than half a million people are going hungry in Karamoja, some 40 per cent of the population of this neglected, long-suffering rural region between South Sudan and Kenya. Natural disasters, plagues of locusts and army worms, and raids by heavily-armed cattle thieves have left little to eat. As food has become ever more scarce, Karamoja's most vulnerable residents are struggling to survive. "In three months we have lost more than 25 children under five due to the malnutrition," said Doctor Sharif Nalibe, the district health officer in Kaabong, one of Karamoja's worst-hit districts. "And these were the ones under our care, but (who) were brought at the last minute to the hospital. But there are many who die and (are) not reported in the communities." Out of sight Starvation in Karamoja is going largely unnoticed as higher-profile crises, including looming famine in the Horn of Africa, and the war in Ukraine, compel global attention. Even in Uganda, the desperation is out of sight, unfolding 500 kilometres (310 miles) from the capital Kampala in a part of the country long written off as harsh and volatile. But the level of hardship is extraordinary, even by the extremes sometimes endured in Karamoja. Watch | Uganda sees a surge in domestic tourism as it witnesses a post-pandemic boom Across the region, about 91,600 children and 9,500 pregnant or breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition and need treatment, according to the latest assessment by humanitarian agencies and foreign donors. "In terms of acute malnutrition... this year we have experienced the worst that we have had in the last 10 years," said Alex Mokori, a nutrition specialist from UNICEF, which is screening for malnutrition in Karamoja with local authorities. Logiel said she resorted to foraging to put food on the table, but the wild plants often made her children sicker. In desperation, she would sometimes purchase the mealy dregs from a popular locally-made sorghum brew called "malwa", even if the effect was mildly alcoholic. Half a litre of this residue goes for about 40 US cents -- often more than she could afford. "Often we failed to raise money and the children sleep hungry," Logiel said. Worse to come With a porous border and thriving illicit trade, Karamoja has endured decades of tit-for-tat armed cattle raids between nomadic clans that wander the lawless frontier between Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya. These incursions make life even more miserable for Karimojong communities entirely reliant on livestock and crops to survive, and government interventions to disarm rustlers have not stopped the cycles of violence. The erratic effects of a changing climate -- Karamoja is experiencing harsh drought, but last year witnessed damaging floods and landslides -- have only multiplied the hardships bearing down on the region. Also read | Ugandan leader's son leaves military, in move seen as preparing for presidency "Now, with the prolonged drought, and cattle rustlers, and communities left with no source of livelihood, we are heading for the worst," said Nalibe, the Kaabong district health officer. For some, the worst has already arrived. Nangole Lopwon went to sell firewood in a nearby village and left her hungry twins with one of her older children, only to return and find one of the young ones had died. "What could I do? The child was not sick. It was purely hunger that killed him," said the mother of five from Kaabong. Now she, too, is malnourished, and the surviving twin in a dire state. "Even this one is about to die," she wailed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hunger claims children in forgotten corner of Uganda

Uganda's capital Kampala which is home to two million people ranks among the world's most polluted cities. Pollution levels in the capital are up to seven times higher than the World health Organization's safe standards

Unprecedented air pollution in Kampala

Uganda is witnessing a post-pandemic boom in domestic tourism. Domestic tourism is helping the Ugandan economy.

Uganda sees a surge in domestic tourism as it witnesses a post-pandemic boom

Ugandan filmmakers are looking to change Africa's narrative. They're changing the story of Africa in Disney movies. Take a look at the story of an African filmmaker.

Uganda: Changing the story of Africa in Disney Movies

The lieutenant general son of Uganda's president said on Tuesday he had retired from the military, in a move widely seen as preparing the ground for a potential run for the presidency in 2026.

Critics of President Yoweri Museveni say Muhoozi Kainerugaba who has been in the military for more than 20 years, was rushed through the ranks by his father. Many Ugandans believe Kainerugaba is being groomed to succeed Museveni.

"After 28 years of service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement," Kainerugaba said on Twitter on Tuesday, without giving reasons for his retirement.

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Museveni,77, who has ruled the east African country since 1986, has repeatedly denied accusations he wanted to hand over power to his son, although Kainerugaba's supporters say he has a right to seek the country's presidency like any other citizen.

Kainerugaba, a prolific Twitter user who expressed his support https://twitter.com/mkainerugaba/status/1498094460580016128 for Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, this year helped mend Uganda's strained relations with neighbouring Rwanda after travelling to Kigali and meeting President Paul Kagame.

Supporters of Kainerugaba, 47, have been pressing a campaign on social media and elsewhere for him to stand in 2026, although he has not publicly declared any intention to run for office. Ugandan law forbids soldiers from participating in politics.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/once-pledged-to-keep-covid-vaccine-patent-free-moderna-signals-to-enforce-patent-460237">Moderna once pledged to keep Covid vaccine patent-free. Now it's changing course</a>

Human rights groups, Ugandan opposition and government critics have long accused his father of using the military to keep himself in power through intimidating and jailing his opponents.

Museveni was re-elected in January last year, beating pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Wine rejected the result, alleging widespread irregularities.

The lieutenant general son of Uganda's president said on Tuesday he had retired from the military, in a move widely seen as preparing the ground for a potential run for the presidency in 2026.

The lieutenant general son of Uganda's president said on Tuesday he had retired from the military, in a move widely seen as preparing the ground for a potential run for the presidency in 2026. Critics of President Yoweri Museveni say Muhoozi Kainerugaba who has been in the military for more than 20 years, was rushed through the ranks by his father. Many Ugandans believe Kainerugaba is being groomed to succeed Museveni. "After 28 years of service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement," Kainerugaba said on Twitter on Tuesday, without giving reasons for his retirement. Also read | Locklan Samples: This boy suffering from 'uncombable hair syndrome' has water-resistant locks Museveni,77, who has ruled the east African country since 1986, has repeatedly denied accusations he wanted to hand over power to his son, although Kainerugaba's supporters say he has a right to seek the country's presidency like any other citizen. Kainerugaba, a prolific Twitter user who expressed his support https://twitter.com/mkainerugaba/status/1498094460580016128 for Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, this year helped mend Uganda's strained relations with neighbouring Rwanda after travelling to Kigali and meeting President Paul Kagame. Supporters of Kainerugaba, 47, have been pressing a campaign on social media and elsewhere for him to stand in 2026, although he has not publicly declared any intention to run for office. Ugandan law forbids soldiers from participating in politics. Also read | Moderna once pledged to keep Covid vaccine patent-free. Now it's changing course Human rights groups, Ugandan opposition and government critics have long accused his father of using the military to keep himself in power through intimidating and jailing his opponents. Museveni was re-elected in January last year, beating pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Wine rejected the result, alleging widespread irregularities.

Ugandan leader's son leaves military, in move seen as preparing for presidency

The International Court of Justice on Wednesday ordered Uganda to pay $325 million in reparations to the Democratic Republic of Congo for its role in conflicts that took place in Congo's Ituri province. The judges said Uganda was responsible for the deaths of around 15,000 people and ordered to pay five annual instalments of $65m between 2022 and 2026.

UN's top court orders Uganda to pay reparations of $325 mn to DR Congo

The East African country of Uganda has relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. The government says strict curbs stemmed COVID spread.

The East African country of Uganda relaxes COVID-19 restrictions

The East African country of Uganda is planning to curb its borrowing and boost exports in sectors such as meat and dairy.

The East African country of Uganda is planning to curb its borrowing & boost exports

6 years after securing a $200 million loan from China, Uganda is struggling to make the payments. Reports say the country's only international airport in Entebbe could be taken over by China in the event of a default. Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: China set to 'grab' Uganda's only international airport?

Uganda has lost its only international airport to China after it failed to repay its loan. Uganda is the latest African country to fall into China's debt trap and had to give up national assets to China.

Uganda loses only international airport to China

Uganda might soon join the list of countries victimised by China's famed debt trap technique.

The country's only international airport, Entebbe International Airport, is under danger of being taken over by China.

In 2015, China's Export-Import Bank (EXIM) gave Uganda $207 million at a 2% interest rate upon distribution.&nbsp;

The loan, which was intended for the development of Entebbe Airport, included a 20-year payback schedule and a seven-year grace period. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: India's development diplomacy exposes China's debt trap

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-development-diplomacy-exposes-chinas-debt-trap-396068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government has failed to modify the loan arrangement with the Chinese that had repayment restrictions that included the attachment of the country's sole airport.

According to reports in African media, Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets were attached and agreed to be taken over by Chinese lenders when the debt was arbitrated.

President Yoweri Museveni dispatched a delegation to Beijing in the hopes of renegotiating the harmful terms, the reports said.

The visit was fruitless because Chinese authorities refused to approve any changes to the deal's initial parameters.

On November 17, 2015, the Uganda government, represented at the time by the finance ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, signed an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank) to borrow US $207 million at 2% upon disbursement, with a 20-year maturity period and a seven-year grace period.

The agreement reached with the Chinese financiers effectively "surrendered" Uganda's most important airport to China, reports said.

Some stipulations in the Financing Agreement, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), subject Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets to being attached and taken over by Chinese lenders following arbitration in Beijing.

Uganda's request to amend the loan's hazardous conditions was denied by China, putting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's administration in uncertainty.&nbsp;

The Ugandan government sacrificed international immunity in the agreements it made to acquire the loans, exposing Entebbe International Airport to takeover without international protection, according to the Daily Monitor of Uganda.

Uganda's Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, apologised to parliament last week for the "mishandling" of the $207 million loan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Uganda might soon join the list of countries victimised by China's famed debt trap technique. The country's only international airport, Entebbe International Airport, is under danger of being taken over by China.

Uganda might soon join the list of countries victimised by China's famed debt trap technique. The country's only international airport, Entebbe International Airport, is under danger of being taken over by China. In 2015, China's Export-Import Bank (EXIM) gave Uganda $207 million at a 2% interest rate upon distribution. The loan, which was intended for the development of Entebbe Airport, included a 20-year payback schedule and a seven-year grace period. Watch | Gravitas: India's development diplomacy exposes China's debt trap The government has failed to modify the loan arrangement with the Chinese that had repayment restrictions that included the attachment of the country's sole airport. According to reports in African media, Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets were attached and agreed to be taken over by Chinese lenders when the debt was arbitrated. President Yoweri Museveni dispatched a delegation to Beijing in the hopes of renegotiating the harmful terms, the reports said. The visit was fruitless because Chinese authorities refused to approve any changes to the deal's initial parameters. On November 17, 2015, the Uganda government, represented at the time by the finance ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, signed an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank) to borrow US $207 million at 2% upon disbursement, with a 20-year maturity period and a seven-year grace period. The agreement reached with the Chinese financiers effectively "surrendered" Uganda's most important airport to China, reports said. Some stipulations in the Financing Agreement, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), subject Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets to being attached and taken over by Chinese lenders following arbitration in Beijing. Uganda's request to amend the loan's hazardous conditions was denied by China, putting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's administration in uncertainty. The Ugandan government sacrificed international immunity in the agreements it made to acquire the loans, exposing Entebbe International Airport to takeover without international protection, according to the Daily Monitor of Uganda. Uganda's Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, apologised to parliament last week for the "mishandling" of the $207 million loan. (With inputs from agencies)

China's debt trap strategy: Uganda set to lose its only international airport to Beijing

Two suicide bombings killed 3 people and injured several others in Uganda's capital Kampala on Tuesday. Islamic state terror group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Two suicide bombings kill 3 people, injure several in Uganda's capital Kampala

Three suicide bombings killed at least three people in Ugandan capital Kampala on Tuesday. Dozens have been arrested in the bombings in a country that is seen as a stable bulwark against Islamic extremism in Africa.

At least 33 people were being treated in hospital, including five who were in critical condition, police spokesperson Fred Enanga said.

The death toll including the three bombers was six, Enanga said.

A diplomat told Reuters two police were among the victims. Enanga confirmed the death toll included police but declined to give further details.

<img alt="Uganda Blast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad7d16aa-8d15-4fde-8478-38df53c7de62" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9RR2XK.jpg" />

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but police cited intelligence indications to say that Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) were responsible.

"Our intelligence ... indicates that these are domestic terror groups that are linked to ADF," Enanga said.

The explosions - the first near the central police station and the second very close to parliament - sent bloodied office workers rushing for cover over shards of broken glass as a plume of white smoke rose above the downtown area.

A suicide bomber wearing a backpack carried out the first blast near the checkpoint at the police station, which killed two people, Enanga said. The second attack, involving two suicide bombers on motorbikes, killed one other person.

"A booming sound like that from a big gun went off. The ground shook, my ears nearly went deaf," said Peter Olupot, a 28-year-old bank guard who was near the attack close to parliament.

<img alt="Uganda Blast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63f3415d-8717-4370-8c06-ae5fba7337d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9RQ9Q9.jpg" />

"I saw a vehicle on fire and everyone was running and panicking. I saw a boda boda (motorcycle) man - his head was smashed and covered in blood."

Anti-terrorism police caught another person who was preparing to carry out an attack, Enanga said, adding: "We are now pursuing other members of the terror group."

MILITANT GROUPS

The al Qaeda-linked Somali insurgent group al Shabaab has carried out deadly attacks in Uganda in the past, including a 2010 attack that killed 70 people.

Ugandan soldiers are fighting al Shabaab in Somalia as part of an U.N.-backed African Union peacekeeping force. An al Shabab spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

The ADF is a separate group, founded by Ugandan Muslims but now largely active in the forested mountains of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has been blamed for thousands of civilian deaths.

Last month, Islamic State made its first claim of responsibility for a blast in Uganda - an attack on a police station in Kampala's Kawempe neighbourhood in which no one was killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three suicide bombings killed at least three people in Ugandan capital Kampala on Tuesday. Dozens have been arrested in the bombings in a country that is seen as a stable bulwark against Islamic extremism in Africa.

Three suicide bombings killed at least three people in Ugandan capital Kampala on Tuesday. Dozens have been arrested in the bombings in a country that is seen as a stable bulwark against Islamic extremism in Africa. At least 33 people were being treated in hospital, including five who were in critical condition, police spokesperson Fred Enanga said. The death toll including the three bombers was six, Enanga said. A diplomat told Reuters two police were among the victims. Enanga confirmed the death toll included police but declined to give further details. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but police cited intelligence indications to say that Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) were responsible. "Our intelligence ... indicates that these are domestic terror groups that are linked to ADF," Enanga said. The explosions - the first near the central police station and the second very close to parliament - sent bloodied office workers rushing for cover over shards of broken glass as a plume of white smoke rose above the downtown area. A suicide bomber wearing a backpack carried out the first blast near the checkpoint at the police station, which killed two people, Enanga said. The second attack, involving two suicide bombers on motorbikes, killed one other person. "A booming sound like that from a big gun went off. The ground shook, my ears nearly went deaf," said Peter Olupot, a 28-year-old bank guard who was near the attack close to parliament. "I saw a vehicle on fire and everyone was running and panicking. I saw a boda boda (motorcycle) man - his head was smashed and covered in blood." Anti-terrorism police caught another person who was preparing to carry out an attack, Enanga said, adding: "We are now pursuing other members of the terror group." MILITANT GROUPS The al Qaeda-linked Somali insurgent group al Shabaab has carried out deadly attacks in Uganda in the past, including a 2010 attack that killed 70 people. Ugandan soldiers are fighting al Shabaab in Somalia as part of an U.N.-backed African Union peacekeeping force. An al Shabab spokesman was not immediately available for comment. The ADF is a separate group, founded by Ugandan Muslims but now largely active in the forested mountains of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has been blamed for thousands of civilian deaths. Last month, Islamic State made its first claim of responsibility for a blast in Uganda - an attack on a police station in Kampala's Kawempe neighbourhood in which no one was killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Blasts in Uganda: Suicide bombers target capital Kampala, IS links suspected

At least two people died and several were wounded on Monday in an explosion on a bus near Kampala, police said, two days after a deadly attack in the Ugandan capital claimed by the Islamic State group.

Ugandan police spokesman Fred Enanga said bomb specialists were sent to Lungala following a deadly explosion in a bus belonging to the firm Swift Safaris around 5 pm (1400 GMT).&nbsp;

"Two people have died and several were injured when an explosion went off in one of our buses from Kampala to western&nbsp;Uganda&nbsp;this evening," Enanga said in a statement.

He added that wounded people were being evacuated from the area.&nbsp;

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"The scene has been cordoned off pending a thorough assessment and investigation by the bomb experts. We shall periodically give updates surrounding the incident."

Enanga gave no more detail on the suspected causes of the explosion.

The initial toll was confirmed by a manager of Swift Safaris.

Lungala is about 35 kilometres (22 miles) west of Kampala, on one of the country's busiest roads, linking&nbsp;Uganda&nbsp;with Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The blast follows a deadly explosion that killed one person and injured three at a roadside eatery in the capital Kampala on Saturday, which police called an "act of domestic terror" and for which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

At least two people died and several were wounded on Monday in an explosion on a bus near Kampala, police said, two days after a deadly attack in the Ugandan capital claimed by the Islamic State group.

At least two people died and several were wounded on Monday in an explosion on a bus near Kampala, police said, two days after a deadly attack in the Ugandan capital claimed by the Islamic State group. Ugandan police spokesman Fred Enanga said bomb specialists were sent to Lungala following a deadly explosion in a bus belonging to the firm Swift Safaris around 5 pm (1400 GMT). "Two people have died and several were injured when an explosion went off in one of our buses from Kampala to western Uganda this evening," Enanga said in a statement. He added that wounded people were being evacuated from the area. Also read | Russian cyberattack targeting hundreds of US networks, reveals Microsoft "The scene has been cordoned off pending a thorough assessment and investigation by the bomb experts. We shall periodically give updates surrounding the incident." Enanga gave no more detail on the suspected causes of the explosion. The initial toll was confirmed by a manager of Swift Safaris. Lungala is about 35 kilometres (22 miles) west of Kampala, on one of the country's busiest roads, linking Uganda with Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The blast follows a deadly explosion that killed one person and injured three at a roadside eatery in the capital Kampala on Saturday, which police called an "act of domestic terror" and for which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

Two dead in bus explosion in Uganda: Police

A deadly blast in Kampala late on Saturday appeared to be an act of terrorism, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Sunday.

He said the explosion in the capital killed one person, although the Uganda Police chief political commissar Asan Kasingye said late on Saturday that two people were killed.

At least seven people were injured, TV station NTV reported.

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"It seems to be a terrorist act," Museveni Tweeted on Sunday.

"The information I have is that 3 people came and left a package in kaveera [plastic bag] which later on exploded," Museveni said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The blast occurred at Digida Pork Joint, a restaurant, local media reported. Videos shared on social media showed panicked and confused revellers illuminated by blue police lights.

Bomb blasts in the East African country are rare. Kampala suffered a major attack by Somalia's al Shabaab in 2010 that killed dozens. The group said it had attacked Uganda as a punishment for its deployment of troops in Somalia.

A deadly blast in Kampala late on Saturday appeared to be an act of terrorism, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Sunday. He said the explosion in the capital killed one person, although the Uganda Police chief political commissar Asan Kasingye said late on Saturday that two people were killed.

A deadly blast in Kampala late on Saturday appeared to be an act of terrorism, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Sunday. He said the explosion in the capital killed one person, although the Uganda Police chief political commissar Asan Kasingye said late on Saturday that two people were killed. At least seven people were injured, TV station NTV reported. Also Read | Five dead in Yemen blast targeting Aden governor: security sources "It seems to be a terrorist act," Museveni Tweeted on Sunday. "The information I have is that 3 people came and left a package in kaveera [plastic bag] which later on exploded," Museveni said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The blast occurred at Digida Pork Joint, a restaurant, local media reported. Videos shared on social media showed panicked and confused revellers illuminated by blue police lights. Bomb blasts in the East African country are rare. Kampala suffered a major attack by Somalia's al Shabaab in 2010 that killed dozens. The group said it had attacked Uganda as a punishment for its deployment of troops in Somalia.

Deadly blast in Ugandan capital 'seems to be a terrorist act': President

Uganda's Kung Fu master spreads love for his craft. Ssejjemba, Uganda's Kung Fu master, is passing the martial art to a new generation.

Uganda's Kung Fu master, passes martial art to a new generation

The Ugandan government announced on Friday it had halted the activities of&nbsp;54&nbsp;non-governmental organisations, a major escalation of its efforts to tighten control over civil society.

One of the groups affected is the country's most&nbsp;prominent&nbsp;rights&nbsp;organisation, Chapter Four.

The National Bureau for&nbsp;NGOs, part of the ministry of internal affairs, said in a statement the shutdown was ordered "with immediate effect".

It said the decision was made because the groups had failed to comply with legislation covering their activities,&nbsp;including&nbsp;operating with expired permits, failing to file accounts or failing to register with the authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-bomb-threat-standoff-ends-as-suspect-surrenders-407037">Also read |&nbsp;Capitol Hill bomb threat standoff ends as suspect surrenders</a>

Some of the organisations ordered to close had taken part in an election monitoring operation on polling day in January which was raided by security forces and several of their leaders arrested.

The election saw President Yoweri Museveni returned for a sixth term in office after a violent campaign marked by the harassment and arrest of opposition figures, attacks on the media and the deaths of several dozen people.

Chapter Four executive director Nicholas Opiyo confirmed his&nbsp;group&nbsp;had received the government's order to close and described the situation as "serious".

The Ugandan government announced on Friday it had halted the activities of 54 non-governmental organisations, a major escalation of its efforts to tighten control over civil society.

The Ugandan government announced on Friday it had halted the activities of 54 non-governmental organisations, a major escalation of its efforts to tighten control over civil society. One of the groups affected is the country's most prominent rights organisation, Chapter Four. The National Bureau for NGOs, part of the ministry of internal affairs, said in a statement the shutdown was ordered "with immediate effect". It said the decision was made because the groups had failed to comply with legislation covering their activities, including operating with expired permits, failing to file accounts or failing to register with the authorities. Also read | Capitol Hill bomb threat standoff ends as suspect surrenders Some of the organisations ordered to close had taken part in an election monitoring operation on polling day in January which was raided by security forces and several of their leaders arrested. The election saw President Yoweri Museveni returned for a sixth term in office after a violent campaign marked by the harassment and arrest of opposition figures, attacks on the media and the deaths of several dozen people. Chapter Four executive director Nicholas Opiyo confirmed his group had received the government's order to close and described the situation as "serious".

Uganda suspends 54 NGOs including prominent rights group

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-tennis-star-novak-djokovic-confirms-he-will-compete-at-tokyo-games-398388" hreflang="en">Olympics: Tennis star Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Tokyo Games</a>

According to AFP, the town hosting the delegation said that 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko did not appear for his test of Covid-19 and wasn't also seen in his hotel room.

"One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached," the city of Izumisano said in a statement."The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police."

Athletes from Uganda arrived in Japan last month, they went to Izumisano in Osaka region for a pre-Games training camp.&nbsp;

However, a coach tested positive on arrival, and other delegation members were subsequently asked to self-isolate, with a second member later testing positive.

The Games will take place behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Tokyo. The Japanese capital is already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

Athletes and other Olympic participants are subject to strict rules including regular testing and limits on their movement.

(Inputs from Agency)

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town.

Just days before the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics, a Ugandan athlete has reportedly gone missing after disappearing from his hotel at a training camp in the Japanese town. ALSO READ: Olympics: Tennis star Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Tokyo Games According to AFP, the town hosting the delegation said that 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko did not appear for his test of Covid-19 and wasn't also seen in his hotel room. "One member of the Ugandan delegation, which the city received as a host town, has gone missing and cannot be reached," the city of Izumisano said in a statement."The city is making all efforts to search for the individual. We have reported the matter to police." Athletes from Uganda arrived in Japan last month, they went to Izumisano in Osaka region for a pre-Games training camp. However, a coach tested positive on arrival, and other delegation members were subsequently asked to self-isolate, with a second member later testing positive. The Games will take place behind closed doors due to a state of emergency in Tokyo. The Japanese capital is already facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Athletes and other Olympic participants are subject to strict rules including regular testing and limits on their movement. (Inputs from Agency)

Tokyo Olympics: Athlete from Uganda goes missing in Japan - Reports

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said.

The first group to arrive from Uganda -- a nine-strong party, including boxers, coaches and officials -- landed at Tokyo's Narita airport on Saturday. They are the second team to arrive after Australia women's softball squad on June 1.

But one of the African nation's delegation tested positive during screening at the airport, a government official told reporters. The person tested twice but their condition remained unknown, reported local media.

"I heard the person has been isolated based on regulations," Hidemasa Nakamura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge to take strict measures against infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elects-new-president-mixed-reactions-across-world-392652">Also Read |&nbsp;Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world</a>

Public broadcaster NHK said the group had all been vaccinated and tested negative in Uganda before they came to Japan.

The team was originally due to have arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight was cancelled following a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, local media said.

The other members of the Ugandan party have already left the airport for Osaka, western Japan, where they will train ahead of the Games.

This was the first case showing positive Covid test results among Olympic arrivals from overseas, local media said.

Last week organisers released virus guidelines for athletes as part of their effort to hold the Games safely even though the pandemic has not yet been brought under control.

Organisers said they would meet on Monday to discuss how many domestic spectators to allow, if any, with reports suggesting they would opt for a cap of 10,000 people.

Nippon Television said organisers were considering setting the upper limit of spectators, including guests and officials, at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremony.

Fans from abroad are already banned from attending the postponed event.

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said.

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said. The first group to arrive from Uganda -- a nine-strong party, including boxers, coaches and officials -- landed at Tokyo's Narita airport on Saturday. They are the second team to arrive after Australia women's softball squad on June 1. But one of the African nation's delegation tested positive during screening at the airport, a government official told reporters. The person tested twice but their condition remained unknown, reported local media. "I heard the person has been isolated based on regulations," Hidemasa Nakamura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge to take strict measures against infections. Also Read | Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world Public broadcaster NHK said the group had all been vaccinated and tested negative in Uganda before they came to Japan. The team was originally due to have arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight was cancelled following a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, local media said. The other members of the Ugandan party have already left the airport for Osaka, western Japan, where they will train ahead of the Games. This was the first case showing positive Covid test results among Olympic arrivals from overseas, local media said. Last week organisers released virus guidelines for athletes as part of their effort to hold the Games safely even though the pandemic has not yet been brought under control. Organisers said they would meet on Monday to discuss how many domestic spectators to allow, if any, with reports suggesting they would opt for a cap of 10,000 people. Nippon Television said organisers were considering setting the upper limit of spectators, including guests and officials, at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremony. Fans from abroad are already banned from attending the postponed event.

Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan

As Uganda shifted to digital identity cards, nearly one-third of the adults in the African country have been excluded from getting proper access to healthcare and social services.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) had introduced ID cards in 2015. However, a report has revealed that nearly 23 to 33 per cent of the adult population does not have these ID cards till now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-detects-first-case-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-381772" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-detects-first-case-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-381772&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN1oiEwIrxAhXu8HMBHSE_Dfs4ChAWMAR6BAgCEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_Kkad5LxAl9ozi56F-M8q" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-detects-first-case-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-381772" target="_blank">Uganda&nbsp;detects first case of Covid variant first found in India</a>

These ID cards are necessary to access government and private healthcare facilities, to claim social benefits, to vote, buy sim cards and even to open bank accounts.

While almost a third of the population does not own cards, some of them who do have these ID cards are unable to use them as they have errors in them.

To rectify these errors, the cost incurred would be 50,000 Ugandan shillings (£10), but more than 40 per cent of the population lives on less than £1.30 per day, which makes it near to impossible for the locals to get the errors rectified.

Through this report, the human rights organisations are urging the Uganda government to remove the requirement of ID cards to gain access to essential services and healthcare.

"Government has to go back to the drawing table and rethink the use of Ndaga Muntu, especially when it comes to tagging it to service delivery, because many people are being left out," said Angella Nabwowe, of the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights, one of the organisations that produced the report.

As Uganda shifted to digital identity cards, nearly one-third of the adults in the African country have been excluded from getting proper access to healthcare and social services.

As Uganda shifted to digital identity cards, nearly one-third of the adults in the African country have been excluded from getting proper access to healthcare and social services. The National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) had introduced ID cards in 2015. However, a report has revealed that nearly 23 to 33 per cent of the adult population does not have these ID cards till now. Also read | Uganda detects first case of Covid variant first found in India These ID cards are necessary to access government and private healthcare facilities, to claim social benefits, to vote, buy sim cards and even to open bank accounts. While almost a third of the population does not own cards, some of them who do have these ID cards are unable to use them as they have errors in them. To rectify these errors, the cost incurred would be 50,000 Ugandan shillings (£10), but more than 40 per cent of the population lives on less than £1.30 per day, which makes it near to impossible for the locals to get the errors rectified. Through this report, the human rights organisations are urging the Uganda government to remove the requirement of ID cards to gain access to essential services and healthcare. "Government has to go back to the drawing table and rethink the use of Ndaga Muntu, especially when it comes to tagging it to service delivery, because many people are being left out," said Angella Nabwowe, of the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights, one of the organisations that produced the report.

One-third of Uganda's population excluded from healthcare system: Report

Uganda has detected the first case of a variant of COVID-19 that was first found in India. This has brought in fears that the East African country might suffer another surge in coronavirus cases.

"Yes, we have got one individual who has that variant," Pontiano Kaleebu, head of the government-run Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-covid-crisis-envoy-ugo-astuto-speaks-about-assistance-by-the-eu-381727">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-covid-crisis-envoy-ugo-astuto-speaks-about-assistance-by-the-eu-381727/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The variant was detected in an individual who had returned to Uganda from India in the past few days.

Following the identification of this variant, the Health Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Ainebyoona that the country’s task force will meet on Friday to discuss the situation further.

Till now, Uganda has not been severely hit by the deadly coronavirus, like many other African countries. However, the identification of this case has brought in fears that the country might get hit by another surge of cases, especially considering this specific variant has been labelled as one of the most contagious ones.

The strong relationship between Uganda and India can also act as a major exporter of the variant to Uganda.

Uganda has detected the first case of a variant of COVID-19 that was first found in India. This has brought in fears that the East African country might suffer another surge in coronavirus cases.

Uganda has detected the first case of a variant of COVID-19 that was first found in India. This has brought in fears that the East African country might suffer another surge in coronavirus cases. "Yes, we have got one individual who has that variant," Pontiano Kaleebu, head of the government-run Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) said. Watch | The variant was detected in an individual who had returned to Uganda from India in the past few days. Following the identification of this variant, the Health Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Ainebyoona that the country’s task force will meet on Friday to discuss the situation further. Till now, Uganda has not been severely hit by the deadly coronavirus, like many other African countries. However, the identification of this case has brought in fears that the country might get hit by another surge of cases, especially considering this specific variant has been labelled as one of the most contagious ones. The strong relationship between Uganda and India can also act as a major exporter of the variant to Uganda.

Uganda detects first case of Covid variant first found in India

The Democratic Republic of&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;accused Uganda of "barbarity" Tuesday in a fresh bid at the UN's top court to extract billions of dollars in compensation over a brutal war two decades ago.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 2005 that Uganda had to pay Kinshasa reparations for invading its vast central African neighbour during a 1998-2003 war that left three million people dead.

The case is now back before the Hague-based ICJ, which must make a final ruling on the amount of compensation after the two squabbling countries failed to reach an agreement through negotiations.

"The armed conflict led by Uganda was very large scale. A five-year occupation followed by very serious breaches of human rights that were verging on barbarity," the DRC's legal agent Paul-Crispin Kakhozi Bin-Bulongo told the court.

Congolese officials said at the time of the original decision that they would claim between $6 billion to $10 billion from Kampala.

They had expected Uganda to "fully assume its responsiblity for the injury caused and a substantial contribution", but that had not happened in the end, Bin-Bulongo added.

"The judgment said parties should seek agreement in good faith... Unfortunately Uganda never acted in the same spirit."

Kinshasa filed a new application in 2015, asking the 75-year-old world court to reopen the case and to make a finding on reparations as negotiations failed.&nbsp;

The ICJ, in its 2005 ruling, however also said that Uganda was entitled to compensation after its embassy in Kinshasa was attacked and its diplomats abused.

The conflict at it its height drew in some nine African countries, with Uganda and Rwanda backing rebel forces against the Kinshasa government as they jostled for control of the mineral-rich Ituri region.

Uganda's representatives will state their case for a counter-claim on Thursday.

The Democratic Republic of Congo accused Uganda of "barbarity" Tuesday in a fresh bid at the UN's top court to extract billions of dollars in compensation over a brutal war two decades ago.

The Democratic Republic of Congo accused Uganda of "barbarity" Tuesday in a fresh bid at the UN's top court to extract billions of dollars in compensation over a brutal war two decades ago. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2005 that Uganda had to pay Kinshasa reparations for invading its vast central African neighbour during a 1998-2003 war that left three million people dead. The case is now back before the Hague-based ICJ, which must make a final ruling on the amount of compensation after the two squabbling countries failed to reach an agreement through negotiations. "The armed conflict led by Uganda was very large scale. A five-year occupation followed by very serious breaches of human rights that were verging on barbarity," the DRC's legal agent Paul-Crispin Kakhozi Bin-Bulongo told the court. Congolese officials said at the time of the original decision that they would claim between $6 billion to $10 billion from Kampala. They had expected Uganda to "fully assume its responsiblity for the injury caused and a substantial contribution", but that had not happened in the end, Bin-Bulongo added. "The judgment said parties should seek agreement in good faith... Unfortunately Uganda never acted in the same spirit." Kinshasa filed a new application in 2015, asking the 75-year-old world court to reopen the case and to make a finding on reparations as negotiations failed. The ICJ, in its 2005 ruling, however also said that Uganda was entitled to compensation after its embassy in Kinshasa was attacked and its diplomats abused. The conflict at it its height drew in some nine African countries, with Uganda and Rwanda backing rebel forces against the Kinshasa government as they jostled for control of the mineral-rich Ituri region. Uganda's representatives will state their case for a counter-claim on Thursday.

DR Congo claims billions for Uganda 'barbarity'

The governments in Kampala and Dodoma joined oil companies Total of France and CNOOC of China in signing a series of accords Sunday that pave the way for the construction of a pipeline to carry crude from Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean, official sources said.

The $3.5 billion (3 billion euros) project led by Total and CNOOC provides for the management of oilfields in the Lake Albert region in Uganda's west and proposes pumping the crude to the coast across Tanzania via the East African Crude Oil Pipe Line (EACOP).

The discovery of the crude reserves in 2006 sparked hopes in Uganda that the country could become an oil Eldorado, but drilling and pipeline projects failed in the face of commercial and tax disputes.

A joint press release says the agreements signed on Sunday by Uganda president Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan mean "all outstanding issues related to the EACOP Project have been amicably resolved".&nbsp;

It also stipulated that a shareholding agreement had been reached and that companies could now award construction contracts.

Beneath the waters and on the banks of Lake Albert, a 160 kilometre natural border separating Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lie some 6.5 billion barrels of crude, of which about 1.4 billion barrels are currently accessible.&nbsp;

The Uganda reserves could last 25 to 30 years with a peak production of 230,000 barrels per day. 
The EACOP is a heated pipeline stretching 1,400 kilometres (900 miles), including a 300 km (180 mile) stretch within Uganda, that will carry the crude to the Tanzanian port of Tanga.

On March 1, more than 250 local and international organisations addressed major banks in a letter calling upon them to refrain from financing "the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world".

The letter cites "extensively documented risks" including "impacts to local people through physical displacement ... risks to water, biodiversity and natural habitats; as well as unlocking a new source of carbon emissions".

The governments in Kampala and Dodoma joined oil companies Total of France and CNOOC of China in signing a series of accords Sunday that pave the way for the construction of a pipeline to carry crude from Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean, official sources said.

The governments in Kampala and Dodoma joined oil companies Total of France and CNOOC of China in signing a series of accords Sunday that pave the way for the construction of a pipeline to carry crude from Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean, official sources said. The $3.5 billion (3 billion euros) project led by Total and CNOOC provides for the management of oilfields in the Lake Albert region in Uganda's west and proposes pumping the crude to the coast across Tanzania via the East African Crude Oil Pipe Line (EACOP). The discovery of the crude reserves in 2006 sparked hopes in Uganda that the country could become an oil Eldorado, but drilling and pipeline projects failed in the face of commercial and tax disputes. A joint press release says the agreements signed on Sunday by Uganda president Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan mean "all outstanding issues related to the EACOP Project have been amicably resolved". It also stipulated that a shareholding agreement had been reached and that companies could now award construction contracts. Beneath the waters and on the banks of Lake Albert, a 160 kilometre natural border separating Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lie some 6.5 billion barrels of crude, of which about 1.4 billion barrels are currently accessible. The Uganda reserves could last 25 to 30 years with a peak production of 230,000 barrels per day. The EACOP is a heated pipeline stretching 1,400 kilometres (900 miles), including a 300 km (180 mile) stretch within Uganda, that will carry the crude to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. On March 1, more than 250 local and international organisations addressed major banks in a letter calling upon them to refrain from financing "the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world". The letter cites "extensively documented risks" including "impacts to local people through physical displacement ... risks to water, biodiversity and natural habitats; as well as unlocking a new source of carbon emissions".

Uganda, Tanzania, oil giants open way for pipeline construction

Lawyers for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine filed a challenge in the Supreme Court on Monday against President Yoweri Museveni's victory in last month's election, claiming the poll was rigged.

The 38-year-old singer-turned-lawmaker came a distant second behind veteran leader Museveni in the January 14 vote that followed some of Uganda's worst pre-election bloodshed in years.&nbsp;

Medard Sseggona, one of Wine's lawyers, said "any election Museveni participates in can never be a peaceful election, can never be a free and fair election".

"We want nullification of the election. We do not want (Museveni) participating in any future election," Sseggona said outside the Kampala courthouse where he filed the petition.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-armed-forces-withdrawn-from-bobi-wines-house-after-court-orders-359482">&nbsp;Uganda: Armed forces withdrawn from Bobi Wine's house after court orders</a>

Museveni, a 76-year-old former rebel leader who has ruled since 1986, won a sixth term with 58.4 per cent of the vote, according to the latest updated count from the electoral commission.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, secured 35.1 per cent and slammed the vote as a sham.

Under the constitution, Wine had 15 days from the declaration of results by the electoral commission to challenge the outcome.

The Supreme Court must now rule on the petition within 45 days.

Losing candidates have sought unsuccessfully in the past to overturn Museveni's wins in court. One of Africa's longest-serving rulers, Museveni has won every election since 1996, almost all marred by allegations of irregularities.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-high-court-ends-bobi-wines-house-arrest-359241">Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest</a>

'Invaded polling stations'

Sseggona said "soldiers invaded polling stations" and stuffed ballot boxes with pre-ticket votes. Electoral registers were tampered with at other locations, he added.

"Museveni cannot be left to cheat and steal scot-free," Sseggona said.

Museveni, however, declared the election the cleanest in Uganda's post-independence history.&nbsp;

The run-up to the vote was marred by violence, and a sustained crackdown on government critics and Museveni's rivals.

In November, at least 54 people were shot dead by security forces loyal to Museveni during protests against one of Wine's numerous arrests.&nbsp;

The opposition leader was held under effective house arrest from polling day until a court ordered security forces end his detention last week.&nbsp;

Access to the headquarters of his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been blocked for about two weeks.

Security toughened

Security was beefed up across Kampala on Monday, with soldiers atop armored personnel carriers and police marching in the streets.

Uganda's deputy inspector-general of police, Major General Paul Lokech, said the additional security was due to protests threatened by elements aligned to the NUP.

The party denied the allegations, with Secretary General Lewis David Rubongoya saying it advocates for a "peaceful change of Museveni's government, and not through violence".

Civil society activists have criticised the parameters for challenging Ugandan elections, with judges only examining events on voting day and the declaration of results, without also taking into consideration the overall campaign period.

"The electoral jurisprudence narrows an election process to votes, numbers and statistics on declaration day making election petitions very difficult," independent election analyst Crispin Kaheru told AFP.

By law, Wine must prove to the court that any alleged irregularities affected the outcome of the election "to a substantial manner" -- a much higher burden of proof than in civil cases.

Ugandan courts do not "look at elections as a process but only at events on polling day and declaration day, which makes it very difficult to prove substantial effect of fraud wrongdoing," Kaheru said.

Lawyers for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine filed a challenge in the Supreme Court on Monday against President Yoweri Museveni's victory in last month's election, claiming the poll was rigged.

Lawyers for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine filed a challenge in the Supreme Court on Monday against President Yoweri Museveni's victory in last month's election, claiming the poll was rigged. The 38-year-old singer-turned-lawmaker came a distant second behind veteran leader Museveni in the January 14 vote that followed some of Uganda's worst pre-election bloodshed in years. Medard Sseggona, one of Wine's lawyers, said "any election Museveni participates in can never be a peaceful election, can never be a free and fair election". "We want nullification of the election. We do not want (Museveni) participating in any future election," Sseggona said outside the Kampala courthouse where he filed the petition. Also read| Uganda: Armed forces withdrawn from Bobi Wine's house after court orders Museveni, a 76-year-old former rebel leader who has ruled since 1986, won a sixth term with 58.4 per cent of the vote, according to the latest updated count from the electoral commission. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, secured 35.1 per cent and slammed the vote as a sham. Under the constitution, Wine had 15 days from the declaration of results by the electoral commission to challenge the outcome. The Supreme Court must now rule on the petition within 45 days. Losing candidates have sought unsuccessfully in the past to overturn Museveni's wins in court. One of Africa's longest-serving rulers, Museveni has won every election since 1996, almost all marred by allegations of irregularities. Also read| Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest 'Invaded polling stations' Sseggona said "soldiers invaded polling stations" and stuffed ballot boxes with pre-ticket votes. Electoral registers were tampered with at other locations, he added. "Museveni cannot be left to cheat and steal scot-free," Sseggona said. Museveni, however, declared the election the cleanest in Uganda's post-independence history. The run-up to the vote was marred by violence, and a sustained crackdown on government critics and Museveni's rivals. In November, at least 54 people were shot dead by security forces loyal to Museveni during protests against one of Wine's numerous arrests. The opposition leader was held under effective house arrest from polling day until a court ordered security forces end his detention last week. Access to the headquarters of his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been blocked for about two weeks. Security toughened Security was beefed up across Kampala on Monday, with soldiers atop armored personnel carriers and police marching in the streets. Uganda's deputy inspector-general of police, Major General Paul Lokech, said the additional security was due to protests threatened by elements aligned to the NUP. The party denied the allegations, with Secretary General Lewis David Rubongoya saying it advocates for a "peaceful change of Museveni's government, and not through violence". Civil society activists have criticised the parameters for challenging Ugandan elections, with judges only examining events on voting day and the declaration of results, without also taking into consideration the overall campaign period. "The electoral jurisprudence narrows an election process to votes, numbers and statistics on declaration day making election petitions very difficult," independent election analyst Crispin Kaheru told AFP. By law, Wine must prove to the court that any alleged irregularities affected the outcome of the election "to a substantial manner" -- a much higher burden of proof than in civil cases. Ugandan courts do not "look at elections as a process but only at events on polling day and declaration day, which makes it very difficult to prove substantial effect of fraud wrongdoing," Kaheru said.

Ugandan opposition leader files election challenge in court

A day after the court ordered an end to the house arrest of the Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine, soldiers have finally left the premises after days of standing guard outside his personal residence.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had been under a house arrest in his Kampala residence since the start of the voting of this year's Uganda election, i.e. January 14.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-high-court-ends-bobi-wines-house-arrest-359241">Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest</a>

Now, after 11 days, forces have left the area. Earlier, armed soldiers and police officers were placed outside his property in the capital city and Wine's family members were also not allowed to leave the premises.

The security forces now withdrew on Tuesday, and the leader can now finally convene with the newly-elected MPs from his National Unity Platform (NUP).

This is the first time Bobi Wine has been able to convene the meeting since the Uganda elections took place.&nbsp;

Wine has accused General Museveni of voter fraud and has claimed that the recently-concluded elections to be rigged and has also alleged an attempt of a coup against him and locals of Uganda.

"I was put under illegal detention in my own house because General Museveni did not win," he told the MP and party supporters. "He is staging a coup against the will of the people of Uganda."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The armed forces were forced to leave the premises after the High Court ruled in favour of the petition lodged by Wine's legal team who claimed Wine's house arrest to be unlawful.

However, the Uganda government claimed the restrictions were simply preventive measures for Wine's own protection, and also to make sure no illegal protests take place during the election period.

Meanwhile, Wine has urged his supporters and Uganda locals to reject the election results as a sham and not let the reign of President Yoweri Museveni continue for another term. "We want Museveni out of office in less than a year," he said.

A day after the court ordered an end to the house arrest of the Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine, soldiers have finally left the premises after days of standing guard outside his personal residence.

A day after the court ordered an end to the house arrest of the Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine, soldiers have finally left the premises after days of standing guard outside his personal residence. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had been under a house arrest in his Kampala residence since the start of the voting of this year's Uganda election, i.e. January 14. Also read| Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest Now, after 11 days, forces have left the area. Earlier, armed soldiers and police officers were placed outside his property in the capital city and Wine's family members were also not allowed to leave the premises. The security forces now withdrew on Tuesday, and the leader can now finally convene with the newly-elected MPs from his National Unity Platform (NUP). This is the first time Bobi Wine has been able to convene the meeting since the Uganda elections took place. Wine has accused General Museveni of voter fraud and has claimed that the recently-concluded elections to be rigged and has also alleged an attempt of a coup against him and locals of Uganda. "I was put under illegal detention in my own house because General Museveni did not win," he told the MP and party supporters. "He is staging a coup against the will of the people of Uganda." WATCH| The armed forces were forced to leave the premises after the High Court ruled in favour of the petition lodged by Wine's legal team who claimed Wine's house arrest to be unlawful. However, the Uganda government claimed the restrictions were simply preventive measures for Wine's own protection, and also to make sure no illegal protests take place during the election period. Meanwhile, Wine has urged his supporters and Uganda locals to reject the election results as a sham and not let the reign of President Yoweri Museveni continue for another term. "We want Museveni out of office in less than a year," he said.

Uganda: Armed forces withdrawn from Bobi Wine's house after court orders

Uganda's High Court on Monday ended the house arrest of presidential election runner-up Bobi Wine.&nbsp;

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulani, has been under de-facto house arrest at his home outside Kampala, since he returned after voting on January 14.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uganda-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-appeals-for-help-357724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Justice Michael Elubu in his verdict said that Wine's arrest is "unlawful" and his right to liberty has been "infringed".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ugandas-opposition-leader-bobi-wine-says-military-raids-home-356972">Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine says military raids home</a>

"The continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant to his home is unlawful and his right to liberty has been infringed," Elubu at the court's Civil Division in Kampala said.&nbsp;

"Having found that the restrictions are unlawful it is hereby ordered that they are lifted."

George Musisi, one of the lawyers of Wine, told CNN that the court "held that the freedom to personal liberty is too crucial that it should not be restricted casually or indefinitely".

Ever since his arrest, heavily-armed security personnel is deployed outside Wine's property and his wife, Barbie, is also not allowed to leave the compound.

The US ambassador to Uganda last week was also not allowed to meet the pop star-turned-politician.&nbsp;

The Ugandan government had called the restrictions "preventative" measures for Wine's own protection and to prevent demonstrations against the presidential election

Wine, who won 35 percent of the vote, according to the official figures, argues that the election was rigged in favour of President Yoweri Museveni.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Uganda's High Court on Monday ended the house arrest of presidential election runner-up Bobi Wine. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulani, has been under de-facto house arrest at his home outside Kampala, since he returned after voting on January 14.

Uganda's High Court on Monday ended the house arrest of presidential election runner-up Bobi Wine. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulani, has been under de-facto house arrest at his home outside Kampala, since he returned after voting on January 14. Watch | Justice Michael Elubu in his verdict said that Wine's arrest is "unlawful" and his right to liberty has been "infringed". Also read | Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine says military raids home "The continued indefinite restriction and confinement of the applicant to his home is unlawful and his right to liberty has been infringed," Elubu at the court's Civil Division in Kampala said. "Having found that the restrictions are unlawful it is hereby ordered that they are lifted." George Musisi, one of the lawyers of Wine, told CNN that the court "held that the freedom to personal liberty is too crucial that it should not be restricted casually or indefinitely". Ever since his arrest, heavily-armed security personnel is deployed outside Wine's property and his wife, Barbie, is also not allowed to leave the compound. The US ambassador to Uganda last week was also not allowed to meet the pop star-turned-politician. The Ugandan government had called the restrictions "preventative" measures for Wine's own protection and to prevent demonstrations against the presidential election Wine, who won 35 percent of the vote, according to the official figures, argues that the election was rigged in favour of President Yoweri Museveni.

Uganda: High court ends Bobi Wine's house arrest

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