Ugandan Security Forces Surround Opposition Party Headquarters, Detain Leaders Ahead Of Planned Protests
Soldiers and police officers on Monday surrounded the headquarters of Uganda’s largest opposition party.
The action comes in anticipation of planned anti-government protests scheduled for Tuesday, which a police spokesperson described as a precautionary measure.
In a social media post on platform X, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, reported that security forces had surrounded the NUP headquarters in Kampala, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.
Bobi Wine posted pictures of military personnel at the premises alongside parked army trucks.
“These cowards have turned the National Unity Platform Headquarters into a military barracks. Several leaders have been violently arrested.
“They have now blocked the roads leading to the office. All because THEY ARE SCARED OF THE PEOPLE. And yes, WHEN WE LOSE OUR FEAR FOR THEM, THEY WILL LOSE THEIR POWER OVER US. #FreeUganda,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, he posted, “Ahead of our scheduled press conference this morning, the military and police have raided and surrounded the National Unity Platform offices at Kavule. “The cowardly regime is so afraid of the people because they know how much they have wronged them! They are so afraid of our message. Blockades like these are never a sign that they are so strong- they’re a sign that they are so weak.”
Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, a musician turned politician, has gained prominence in recent years as a key opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986.
Meanwhile, a group of young Ugandans, who have been at the forefront of recent protests, plan to march to Parliament on Tuesday to express their concerns about alleged corruption and human rights issues under Museveni’s leadership.
The movement has drawn inspiration from similar demonstrations in neighbouring Kenya, where protesters successfully pressured President William Ruto to abandon planned tax increases. The Kenyan protests have since evolved to include calls for the president’s resignation.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni had warned individuals planning to participate in an anti-corruption march to parliament on Tuesday, stating that such actions may have unforeseen consequences.
During a televised address, President Yoweri Museveni stated that the planned protest in Uganda would not be permitted. He addressed the organisers directly, outlining his concerns and the potential consequences of proceeding with the event.
“You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us,” he said.
