The president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine has raised alarm over what he describes as a renewed wave of abductions and arbitrary arrests targeting his party’s supporters and leaders across Uganda.
In a statement released on his official social media platforms on Saturday, Kyagulanyi claimed that the country’s security agencies had intensified operations aimed at silencing opposition voices ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He cited the alleged abduction of NUP activist Tasi Calvin, popularly known as “Bobi Giant,” who was reportedly seized by armed operatives outside the Riham Factory in Kawempe and forced into an unmarked van—commonly referred to as a “drone” by locals, a term that has become synonymous with forced disappearances.
Kyagulanyi also reported the arrest of several NUP officials and flagbearers in Katakwi District, including Jonathan Okware, the party’s Teso sub-region coordinator, and Ijonai Juventine, NUP’s Toroma County chairperson.
The group was detained shortly after being nominated for local government positions, and they are currently held at Katakwi Central Police Station, according to the party leader.
“These are peaceful Ugandans whose only crime is expressing support for the National Unity Platform. This is a coordinated and deliberate attempt to intimidate our candidates and derail our electoral preparations,” Kyagulanyi stated.
He further referenced multiple incidents from the past week, including the arrest of Buwembo Habib, NUP’s head of mobilization, who was allegedly detained in Mityana District during what the party described as a lawful political activity.
In Mbarara City, Kyagulanyi claimed that popular NUP supporter and preacher Pastor Richard Kavuma, known as “RK Madogo,” was once again arrested while conducting street preaching activities aligned with NUP messaging.
Additionally, in Mbale, the party says several leaders—including the Bugisu sub-region coordinator—were arrested shortly after celebrating their successful nomination.
“These are not isolated incidents,” Kyagulanyi said. “It is a well-calculated scheme to stifle political dissent and frustrate the growing momentum of NUP supporters, both within Uganda and abroad.”
The government has consistently denied such allegations. President Yoweri Museveni and senior officials have defended security operations as necessary measures to maintain peace and order, accusing some opposition groups of inciting unrest.
The latest claims come amid growing political tension ahead of the 2026 general elections, with opposition parties accusing the ruling regime of weaponizing state institutions to suppress competition.
