UN Rights Chief Condemns Uganda Crackdown Ahead of Election

The United Nations condemned a severe crackdown on opposition figures and media in Uganda on Wednesday. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged authorities to investigate alleged abuses impartially before next month's general election. The UN rights office cited "credible reports" of arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and torture. It stated that at least 550 people have been detained since January. Those arrested include supporters of the main opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party. The party's presidential candidate, Bobi Wine, is among those affected. The UN decried what it called "repressive tactics" meant to silence critics. It called for the immediate release of anyone detained arbitrarily.