Uganda Police has halted National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine’s, countrywide mobilisation tours, citing repeated breaches of agreed-upon guidelines.
The move follows the blocking of NUP’s planned rally in Nakasongola on Friday, where the party was set to hold another event as part of their “revolutionary caravan.”
Bobi Wine and the NUP leadership took to social media to condemn the police and army’s actions, accusing them of suppressing opposition activities. The former presidential candidate alleged that the government is afraid of the large crowds his events attract.
“This has nothing to do with guidelines. Museveni is simply scared of the numbers,” Bobi Wine stated in a post.
The halt comes at a time when NUP has faced online criticism for its performance in the recent Kisoro by-election.
Despite pulling significant crowds during campaigns, their candidate, Zubedi Sultana Salim, garnered only 903 votes. Critics have urged Bobi Wine to rethink his approach, suggesting he focus on direct voter engagement rather than public rallies.
Police Statement on the Suspension
In a letter addressed to the NUP Secretary General, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma announced the indefinite suspension of the tours. The letter cited the party’s failure to adhere to agreed guidelines as the primary reason for the decision.
“As mandated by the law to preserve public order, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) halts the NUP countrywide mobilisation tours until such a time when the rule of law can be respected. This decision has been reached due to the failure or neglect by NUP to comply with mutually agreed-upon guidelines, traffic regulations, and public order,” the statement read.
Bobi Wine’s tours had seen him visit districts such as Kamuli, Abim, Soroti, and Buikwe, drawing substantial crowds. However, clashes with law enforcement over event management have been a recurring issue.
The suspension adds to ongoing tensions between the opposition party and the government, with NUP accusing authorities of attempting to stifle their political activities. The police, meanwhile, maintain that their actions are aimed at ensuring public safety and order.
NUP has yet to announce its next course of action following the indefinite suspension.
