Opposition National Unity Platform(NUP) has said one of its members and leaders, Ali Buken, popularly known as Nubian Li, has been arrested shortly after being nominated for the position of Nakawa Mayor at the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda.
According to NUP Nubian Li was forcibly pushed into a police truck and taken to an unknown location immediately after completing his nomination process.
Party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi condemned the arrest, calling it a sign of state intimidation.
“A short while ago, as he exited the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda after being nominated for the position of Nakawa Mayor, Ali Buken (Nubian Li) was pushed into a police truck and taken to an unknown location. The fear of the regime is evident, let’s press on!” Ssenyonyi said.
NUP described the incident as part of a broader crackdown on its candidates and supporters ahead of the 2026 elections.
His arrest comes just hours after the party’s deputy spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, was taken into custody outside Kawempe Magistrate’s Court.
The party’s Secretary General, Lewis Rubongoya, also confirmed the arrest on his X account.
“Comrade Nubian Li is the latest victim of the latest wave of arrests and abductions of NUP leaders and supporters. He’s been picked up outside the EC offices, right after his nomination. The impunity continues,” Lewis Rubongoya wrote.
Fear has gripped NUP leaders following the recent wave of arrests targeting their members by security.
Many of those arrested have been charged with holding unlawful military drills earlier this year at the party headquarters.
