Al-Shabaab threat intensified following leader’s death in Somalia (see Somalia): police 13 Sept foiled alleged terror attack in Kampala, seizing explosives, suicide vests; increased security measures; U.S. same day warned citizens to seek shelter; ten charged 24 Sept with terror-related offenses. President Museveni 18 Sept dismissed PM and potential presidential rival Amama Mbabazi, appointed Ruhakana Rugunda. At least 7 killed in clashes over land, cattle on Ugandan-South Sudanese border 19 Sept, sparked by demonstrations in Ugandan border town of Moyo; authorities of both countries 26 Sept agreed on joint border patrols.

Security situation worsened in western Uganda with 90 confirmed dead 8 July in attacks on police stations and barracks in Kasese, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo districts. Govt and police refuted claims attackers from rebel group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), blamed tribal monarch of Rwanzururu 3 mass graves with some 30 bodies discovered by govt forces in Bundibugyo district 22 July.

4 National Resistance Movement (NRM) members arrested by police 4 May for trying to rally support for PM Mbabazi’s rumoured 2016 presidential bid. Police 5 May dispersed gathering of opposition politicians, supporters including Kampala mayor celebrating nomination of by-election candidate. Head of military 20 May called for deployment of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) troops to South Sudan; denied use of cluster bombs reported by UNMISS 8 May (see S Sudan).

U.S. late March increased military help in hunt for LRA leader Joseph Kony; sent U.S. military aircraft and additional Special Forces.

FM Sam Kutesa 18 Feb confirmed Ugandan forces (UPDF) to leave S Sudan in next 2 months. UPDF 17 Feb sought agreement with S Sudan govt that they would not be prosecuted for any crimes in S Sudan; S Sudan defence minister 17 Feb said govt funding UPDF offensive against S Sudan rebels. President Museveni 24 Feb signed controversial anti-gay bill; World Bank 28 Feb postponed $90mn loan.

Govt 16 Jan admitted military support to S Sudan’s govt after earlier claim Ugandan army in S Sudan to evacuate Ugandan nationals; MPs 14 Jan endorsed govt decision to deploy army in S Sudan. Media 27 Jan reported “open letter” from LRA leader Joseph Kony calling for talks; govt said doubtful Kony seriously seeking peace. Opposition leader Kizza Besigye arrested again 24 Jan after reported confrontation with police outside his home in Kampala.

Lord Mayor of Kampala and Museveni critic Erias Lukwagoearly secured high court order reinstating him to office after Nov impeachment and removal; reinstatement not acted upon, raising possibility of by-election. President Museveni 30 Dec called on S Sudan rebels to accept ceasefire, said East African nations agreed to unite to “defeat” rebels; Ugandan soldiers deployed to S Sudan. Army 3 Dec reported senior LRA commander killed in SE CAR, 11 Dec said 19 LRA rebels surrendered to Ugandan authorities. Dissident General David Sejusa 14 Dec launched opposition party “Freedom and Unity Front”. Controversial anti-homosexuality law passed 20 Dec.

Opposition leader Kizza Besigye and close ally Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago charged 21 Nov with holding unlawful assembly; Lukwago found guilty of abuse of office by govt tribunal 14 Nov, arrested 18 Nov. Police 26 Nov fired tear gas to disperse protests against Lukwago’s impeachment. Gen. David Segusa 22 Nov said President Museveni cannot be ousted in elections, called on Ugandans to “build alternative capacity” to remove him. Ugandan LRA leader Joseph Kony reportedly engaged in surrender talks with Central African Republic. Uganda continued to push for “fast-tracking” of East African Community (EAC) integration ahead of 30 Nov EAC summit.

President Museveni 30 Sept ordered enquiry into alleged theft and mismanagement of military supplies by UPDF soldiers deployed in Somalia. Police raised terror alert following warnings of imminent attack following Sept al-Shabaab attack on Westgate Mall in Kenya.

President Museveni’s appointment of General Aronda as internal affairs minister approved 18 July despite legal bar on serving military officers taking ministerial positions; appointment prompted walkout from parliament by opposition MPs; opposition and civil society members late July threatened to seek impeachment of Museveni by Constitutional Court. Govt continued to harass opposition leaders: Kizza Besigye 23 July appeared in court on charges of planning illegal rally; opposition Kampala Major Erias Likwago placed under house arrest 22 July. 4 intelligence agents who worked with army general David Sejusa, who in May accused Museveni of grooming son for succession, charged with planning coup. Military spokesman 11 July warned rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) based in DRC reorganising, planning attacks on Uganda.