Uganda Police Force in collaboration with other security agencies conducted a raid on the headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kavule and its premises in Kamwokya, Kampala.
The operation carried out on February 21, 2025 followed reports of unauthorized military drills allegedly taking place at these locations.
Authorities claim the action was necessary to prevent illegal paramilitary activities while NUP leaders have strongly condemned the move as yet another act of political persecution.
According to a press release from Uganda Police Headquarters, the operation was launched to investigate reports of “unauthorized military drills” being conducted within NUP premises.
The statement emphasized that security personnel were actively searching the sites and that updates on the operation’s outcome would be provided in due course.
The search operation at the NUP offices in Kavule and Kamwokya has sparked intense debate with opposition supporters accusing the government of using security agencies to suppress political protests.
“This is a blatant attempt to cripple our party and intimidate our supporters.”
The National Unity Platform led by opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has dismissed the allegations of illegal military training as baseless.
In a statement NUP described the raid as a “cowardly attack” aimed at silencing the opposition ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“This is yet another desperate move by the regime to justify repression against the opposition. We have no military training taking place at our offices,” the statement read.
The police raid comes amid escalating tensions between opposition groups and the government with NUP frequently accusing security agencies of unlawful arrests, intimidation and harassment of their members.
The latest action against NUP follows a series of crackdowns on opposition activities with several party members previously arrested on charges of inciting violence.
Political analysts suggest that the timing of the raid raises questions about the government’s intentions.
“This move fits into a pattern of state intimidation against the opposition. Whether or not any military activity was actually happening, the optics of this raid will deepen the already fragile political climate in Uganda.”
With police yet to disclose concrete evidence of illegal military training, the public remains divided on the legitimacy of the operation.
Supporters of the ruling government argue that security forces have a duty to investigate any potential threats while opposition groups see it as an abuse of state power.
As investigations continue, the raid on NUP headquarters is likely to fuel further political tensions in Uganda.
The opposition party has vowed to resist what they call “state-engineered oppression,” while security forces say they are acting in the interest of national security.
