Tensions in Uganda's capital have exploded into violence and military detention, with Sky News Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir providing a harrowing eyewitness account from the streets of Kampala. The unrest unfolded on Friday 16 January 2026, as the counting of votes in the presidential election descended into chaos and allegations of fraud.
Military Detains Journalists Amid Gunfire
Correspondent Yousra Elbagir reported being forced to kneel on the ground by heavily-armed soldiers near the Kibuye roundabout in central Kampala, with the sounds of gunfire and stun grenades ringing out. Dozens of soldiers, some in balaclavas, enforced a temporary detention, making it clear that journalists were as unwelcome as the protesters calling for an end to President Yoweri Museveni's 40-year rule.
Elbagir and her team were eventually pardoned by a senior commander who returned their cameras with the warning: "I forgive you, but don't embarrass us." This incident occurred against the backdrop of a state-enforced internet blackout and forceful restrictions on media reporting the unrest.
'People Power' Cries Met With Force
Across the road from the detention, the rallying cry of opposition leader Bobi Wine – "people power!" – was shouted by drivers from their cars. One man held his ground, insisting, "Right now, people are voting for Bobi Wine. He has been cheated of his vote!"
This civilian discontent was met with a severe military response, led by President Museveni's son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the Ugandan People's Defence Force (UPDF). The crackdown targeted supporters of Museveni's main opponent, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
Opposition Leader Abducted as Tensions Peak
The volatile situation escalated further when Bobi Wine's National Unity Party (NUP) announced that security agents had broken into his home. An army helicopter landed in his compound and he was abducted on Friday night. His arrest threatens to fuel nationwide protests rivaling those of the 2021 election.
Earlier, a feverish brawl had broken out at the Kololo national tally centre in Kampala after a disputed declaration of vote counts that handed wins to Museveni. An opposition official was heard screaming, "We have the right to speak!" before being violently dragged onto a police truck by military and police forces. The NUP claims over 300 of its supporters and officials have been arrested or disappeared in recent weeks.
Amid the turmoil, 23-year-old NUP member and university student Elizabeth Namagembe made a tearful plea for international attention, stating, "We have Ugandans that have voted and this is their right to choose a leader... The international community, what can they do for us?"
