Parliament, Kampala – In an emotionally charged address that is already setting political corridors on fire, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has drawn a clear red line saying no more tea and photos with the NRM unless political persecution ends.
Speaking during the Opposition MPs’ Caucus, Ssenyonyi did not mince his words.
“The NRM government should show goodwill by doing what’s right. Stop persecuting us. Release all political prisoners. Let us also mobilise like you do,” he stated.
“It doesn’t make sense for us to sit and take tea and pictures, then tomorrow police and military foil our activities.”
The statement, caught on camera and widely circulated online, is being hailed by some as a defining moment of truth and by others as a declaration of political confrontation.
Ssenyonyi’s frustration is rooted in recurring police and military crackdowns on opposition rallies and mobilisation events, crackdowns that stand in sharp contrast to the freedom that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) enjoys during its own political activities.
Ssenyonyi, who also serves as the Nakawa West MP and the spokesperson of National Unity Platform (NUP) directly challenged the double standards in Uganda’s political space.
“If you want us to sit at a round table, start by respecting our rights. You cannot beat us during the day, jail our colleagues then expect a handshake in the evening.”
His comments land just hours after the NRM convened a special caucus at State House Entebbe, where Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua claimed the party is not scared of anything and thrives on consensus and engagement.
However, Ssenyonyi’s disapprove appears to shatter the illusion of unity and exposes the growing gap between Uganda’s ruling party and opposition blocs.
The term political prisoners remain contentious in Uganda’s security and legal landscape. Opposition groups particularly NUP, allege that dozens of their supporters arrested during or after the 2021 elections are behind bars on false charges without trial.
Despite repeated demands for their release, the government has offered little transparency on the detainees’ legal status.
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