Entebbe, Wakiso District – Opposition politicians in Entebbe have accused security operatives of systematically tearing down their campaign posters ahead of 2026 General Election, while allegedly leaving those of National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates untouched.
The allegations, made during a press briefing on Tuesday, highlight growing tensions between opposition parties and state security forces, with claims that the practice is being used to create a false impression that there is no viable opposition in certain areas.
The group of politicians drawn from multiple opposition parties including the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Democratic Party (DP) said the incidents have become routine in parts of Entebbe.
They accused military personnel and other security operatives of vandalising their campaign materials, particularly those of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, the NUP leader and 2026 presidential hopeful.
“Whenever we put up our posters, they are torn down within hours. This is not happening to NRM candidates. It’s a targeted operation meant to erase our visibility and demoralise our supporters.”
During the briefing, opposition leaders paraded before journalists several supporters who they claim had been arrested or assaulted for hanging posters in public spaces.
In response to the incidents, the group has launched the “Hands Off My Posters” campaign, aimed at raising awareness and pressuring authorities to stop the removal of opposition materials. They warned that if no action is taken against the alleged perpetrators, they will organise a peaceful demonstration in Entebbe.
“We have the right to campaign freely without interference. If security forces want to be seen as neutral, they must treat all political actors equally.”
Entebbe is not the only place where such complaints have surfaced. Opposition politicians in Western Uganda have also reported similar incidents, accusing both security operatives and some NRM supporters of tearing down their posters.
In some areas, candidates claim to have replaced campaign materials multiple times in a single week.
Political observers warn that such actions, if unchecked, could undermine the fairness of the upcoming general election by limiting voters’ exposure to opposition candidates and reinforcing perceptions of state bias toward the ruling party.
As of press time, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police Force had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations.
2026 General Election, in which President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is widely expected to seek re-election, is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with opposition parties intensifying their campaigns despite what they describe as a hostile political environment.
Also read: PFF to Announce Presidential Flag Bearer in Two Weeks
