Army seals off NUP headquarters in Makerere

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and police cordoned off the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, ahead of a scheduled press briefing by party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine.

Kyagulanyi had earlier announced via his X (formerly Twitter) platform that he would address the media at 2:00 pm to demand the release of political prisoners, including his recently detained head of security, Eddie Ssebufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe.

“Please join us today at 2:00 pm in Makerere – Kavule for a Solidarity Gathering. This is a non-partisan opportunity to unite. Friends of Eddie and all Ugandans of good conscience, let us stand together in solidarity not just with Eddie but with all political prisoners!” Kyagulanyi posted.

However, heavily armed security personnel sealed off the area, barring access to the party’s offices and preventing even journalists from entering the premises. Kasanda member of parliament Frank Kabuye, who was turned away at the gate, condemned the deployment as illegal and politically motivated.

“We came here to show solidarity with our brothers who are being held illegally, but our party offices have been turned into a war zone,” said Kabuye.

He also criticised Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of leading a targeted crackdown on NUP supporters.

“The president’s son and army commander even released photos of our colleague Eddie Mutwe, who is being held incommunicado and tortured. This is nothing short of a witch-hunt,” Kabuye said.

Dozens of NUP supporters gathered along Bombo Road, watching from a distance and denouncing what they described as the ongoing abductions of opposition members by state security agencies.

The latest developments follow another incident earlier this week when police blocked a planned NUP meeting to launch a “protest vote” campaign. Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the meeting was stopped to “maintain public order and safety.”

“Why are you focusing us on cameras? That’s why you journalists are beaten.” A soldier says as they charge towards journalists after they raided our Headquarters! Not a sign of strength- they’re afraid and panicking. We only need to organise more than we ever have! pic.twitter.com/gZd2GW9My3

— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) May 2, 2025