Soldiers and police blocked off the headquarters of Uganda’s largest opposition party on Monday. The police spokesperson described the action as a precautionary measure before planned anti-government protests on Tuesday. Despite the ban on demonstrations, tensions are running high in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
In social media posts, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, reported that security forces surrounded NUP headquarters. They prevented anyone from entering or leaving. Wine shared images showing military personnel and army trucks stationed outside the building.
“The military and police have raided and surrounded the National Unity Platform offices,” Wine declared. He accused the government of being afraid of the people’s power. “The cowardly regime is so afraid of the people because they know how much they have wronged them!” There were reports of several NUP leaders being violently arrested, but police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke did not comment on these claims. Wine, a 42-year-old pop star turned politician, has become the main opponent to President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
Young Ugandans, who have led recent protests, plan to march to parliament on Tuesday. They aim to denounce alleged corruption and human rights abuses under Museveni’s long rule. Although Wine’s party did not organize Tuesday’s protests, they support the cause. Rusoke stated that security forces took preventive steps against what he called NUP’s “mobilization for the protest.” He explained, “We have been monitoring this. Their activities raised a red flag, and we took precautionary measures.” Protests are constitutionally legal in Uganda, but organizers must obtain permits in advance from the police. These permits are rarely granted, adding to the frustration of opposition leaders and activists.
Critics accuse Museveni’s government of widespread corruption. They claim he fails to prosecute high-level officials who are politically loyal or related to him. Museveni, however, denies tolerating corruption. He insists that when sufficient evidence is presented, culprits are prosecuted, including lawmakers and ministers. On Monday, Museveni directed the Criminal Investigations Directorate to arrest and prosecute government officials linked to ghost civil servants on the payroll. This announcement came through social media posts from his government.
In a speech on Saturday, Museveni warned Ugandan youth against participating in the planned protests. He alleged that foreign sponsors were behind the demonstrations. “Some elements, some of them from the opposition, are always working with the foreigners to foment chaos in Uganda—riots, illegal demonstrations, and illegal and inconsiderate processions,” Museveni said. “These people should check themselves, or we shall have no alternative but to check them.”
The situation in Uganda remains tense as the nation braces for the planned protest. Wine’s emergence as a significant political force has challenged Museveni’s long-standing rule, and the government is keen to maintain control.
