Hundreds detained without trial in Uganda in new wave of repression

Roundup of opposition activists took place in May around date of swearing-in ceremony for President Yoweri Museveni

A new wave of repression in Uganda has led to the abductions of dozens more opposition activists by security forces and at least one alleged death. Several hundred people are thought to have been detained without trial in the east African country in secret prisons where they are subjected to a brutal regime of mistreatment. The country has suffered a series of crackdowns aimed at stamping out dissent since campaigning began for presidential elections late last year.

The trigger for the most recent repression by security services appears to have been the swearing-in ceremony of Uganda's veteran president, the 76-year-old Yoweri Museveni, in May.