KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Ugandan government is reportedly contemplating the proscription of the National Unity Platform (NUP), the primary opposition party, citing escalating concerns regarding the party’s alleged militarization and activities deemed detrimental to national stability, according to well-placed sources within the security apparatus.
This matter was reportedly a significant point of discussion during a recent Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) High Command meeting presided over by President Museveni at State House Entebbe.
Sources indicate that the security leadership conveyed to the President their apprehension about what they described as NUP’s “radicalization of youth” and “intolerance” towards differing political viewpoints. In his post-meeting remarks, President Museveni emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic space from intimidation.
“I emphasised the need for disciplined democracy in Uganda. The NRM advocates for disciplined democracy, not hooliganism or bad language,” Museveni stated. “Politicians engaging in practices that intimidate citizens must stop! This is not the African way. The security agencies have discussed this issue, and it will come to an end.”
He further called upon young people to embrace patriotism and the values espoused by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), cautioning them against being drawn into violence under the guise of political activism.
The President’s pronouncements coincide with a series of arrests targeting NUP supporters and officials, many of whom are facing serious criminal charges.
Among those detained is Bobi Wine’s long-serving bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe, who was recently charged with robbery before the Masaka High Court and subsequently remanded to prison.
Other NUP members in detention facing robbery charges include Achileo Kivumbi, Gaddafi Mugumya, and Smart Wakabi. Authorities accuse this group of orchestrating violent incidents during public gatherings, including the burial of former Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya. NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi maintains that these charges are politically motivated.
Sources suggest that while some high-ranking government officials advocate for a complete ban on NUP and the imprisonment of its leadership, more moderate voices propose a year-long suspension of the party’s activities.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba recently issued a warning on X, stating that NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, “might be next” following the arrest of Mutwe.
“I thank our venerable and heroic Commander-in-Chief, H.E Kaguta Museveni, for his wise guidance to the High Command and Defence Council. We will never allow hooligans and puppets to come anywhere near power,” said Muhoozi. “We are going to SMASH them once and for all!”
Further indicating a hardening government stance against opposition forces, former presidential candidate and prominent opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye is currently incarcerated in Luzira Prison on treason charges.
The State alleges that Besigye and his associates were involved in activities that posed a threat to the president’s life and national security, allegations Besigye’s supporters vehemently deny.
Precedent
While no official announcement regarding a ban on NUP has been made, sources suggest that a declaration under Section 56 (2) of the Penal Code—the same provision used to outlaw Activists for Change (A4C) in 2012—is under serious consideration.
At that time, the government accused A4C of inciting civil disobedience, leading the then-Attorney General Peter Nyombi to issue a Declaration of Unlawful Society. The then Police Chief Gen. Kale Kayihura defended the ban, citing violent incidents linked to the group’s activities.
“The police have an obligation to allow groups to exercise their rights and hold lawful rallies,” Kayihura said at the time. “But many such events were infiltrated and turned violent by A4C.”
NUP has refuted the allegations of militancy, asserting its commitment to peaceful and democratic change.
