Uganda’s arrest of Besigye suggests strategic slippage

Significance

The incident has attracted widespread attention and condemnation, highlighting concerns over escalating repression and transnational operations between the neighbouring countries, both of which faced significant domestic unrest earlier this year.

Impacts

• Kenya’s government may face considerable domestic scrutiny over its actions.
• Relations between Uganda and Western donors may be further strained by the episode.
• The government may hope the current Biden-Trump transition in Washington will mean reduced scrutiny of its actions.