Tension gripped Kamwokya on Tuesday as heavily armed operatives from the Uganda Police and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) stormed the headquarters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), sparking panic, gunfire, and mass arrests.
The raid, which occurred under unclear circumstances, left several party members injured and others detained, according to NUP President and former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
“The military and police just raided the @NUP_Ug Headquarters and fired bullets. Several comrades have been injured and others arrested. No explanation has been given for this criminality,” Bobi Wine posted on X (formerly Twitter) this Tuesday.
Security operatives reportedly sealed off all access roads leading to the NUP offices before forcibly entering the premises. Gunshots rang through the usually vibrant Kamwokya neighborhood, sending locals and bystanders into chaos.
Footage shared by party officials showed broken glass, scattered documents, and blood stains within the compound.
“They didn’t say a word. They came, guns blazing, arresting whoever they could lay their hands on. This is no longer law enforcement, it’s war against democracy.”
Uganda Police Force has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, raising public concern and outrage, especially from opposition supporters and civil rights advocates.
National Unity Platform has been under tight scrutiny since the 2021 general elections, in which Bobi Wine emerged as the main challenger to President Yoweri Museveni. Party members have repeatedly accused security agencies of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and political persecution, claims the government has often denied.
Today’s raid adds to a growing list of crackdowns on the opposition, with critics accusing the state of weaponizing security forces to silence dissent.
“This is not about crime prevention. It’s about crippling the opposition and instilling fear,” said Joel Ssenyonyi, the NUP Spokesperson and Leader of Opposition in Parliament.
Online, the hashtag #FreeUganda gained traction within minutes, as Ugandans at home and abroad expressed outrage and solidarity with those affected. Human rights organizations have also called for immediate investigations into the raid, demanding accountability for the injuries and arrests.
Despite the chaos, Bobi Wine vowed to continue the struggle for democratic change.
“No amount of violence will kill our resolve. We remain committed to a free Uganda,” he declared.
The violent storming of an opposition party headquarters without warning, warrant, or justification marks a troubling chapter in Uganda’s political journey. With no official explanation from authorities, pressure is now mounting on security agencies and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to clarify the motive behind the raid.
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