Authorities have detained fifteen National Unity Platform members at Luzira Prison following allegations they destroyed campaign materials belonging to President Yoweri Museveni. The suspects face charges under Section 78(2) of the Presidential Elections Act for defacing notices and posters. Police documents indicate the incident occurred on July 14, 2025, within Busega Kibumbiro Zone of Rubaga Division. The accused individuals range from ages 19 to 40 and work as businesspeople, electricians, and motorcycle taxi operators. Their next court appearance has been scheduled for July 29.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya denounced the arrests as politically motivated actions designed to suppress opposition activities. He argued that authorities targeted supporters from their homes across Lubaga Division to create fear among potential protesters. Rubongoya highlighted what he characterized as unequal enforcement of electoral regulations between ruling party and opposition groups. The party official noted that NUP supporters regularly experience harassment when attempting to display their campaign materials nationwide. He referenced a recent detention of three supporters in Kamwenge for simply installing posters.
The incident has intensified existing tensions between the ruling National Resistance Movement and opposition forces as the 2026 elections approach. Government sources maintain that law enforcement agencies apply electoral regulations uniformly across all political parties. The arrests occurred during preparations for a presidential visit to the capital city. Opposition leaders continue to raise concerns about restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties. These developments reflect broader debates about democratic space and fair electoral competition in Uganda.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya denounced the arrests as politically motivated actions designed to suppress opposition activities. He argued that authorities targeted supporters from their homes across Lubaga Division to create fear among potential protesters. Rubongoya highlighted what he characterized as unequal enforcement of electoral regulations between ruling party and opposition groups. The party official noted that NUP supporters regularly experience harassment when attempting to display their campaign materials nationwide. He referenced a recent detention of three supporters in Kamwenge for simply installing posters.
The incident has intensified existing tensions between the ruling National Resistance Movement and opposition forces as the 2026 elections approach. Government sources maintain that law enforcement agencies apply electoral regulations uniformly across all political parties. The arrests occurred during preparations for a presidential visit to the capital city. Opposition leaders continue to raise concerns about restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties. These developments reflect broader debates about democratic space and fair electoral competition in Uganda.
