In a recent development, opposition legislators in Uganda have announced their intention to boycott plenary sittings unless the government offers an apology for a security raid that occurred at the National Unity Platform (NUP) party headquarters on October 9, 2023. The decision was reached during a caucus meeting chaired by the Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, at Parliament.
The opposition lawmakers expressed their discontent, viewing the Independence Day security operation carried out by the police with military support as a violation of democratic principles. Mathias Mpuuga, while speaking to the press at Parliament, emphasized that representatives from seven opposition political parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Uganda People Congress (UPC), and Justice for Equity Movement (JEMA), are demanding an official apology from the government. They also seek a commitment to prevent any recurrence of such actions by security personnel.
Mpuuga noted that the Shadow Cabinet has formally informed the office of the Speaker about their concerns. In the event that the government does not address their demands, they are prepared to continue their boycott until the Minister of Affairs or the Prime Minister, the Head of Government Business in the House, provides a satisfactory response.
During a plenary session, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa confirmed receiving a letter from the Leader of the Opposition and directed the Prime Minister to make a formal statement on the matter in the House on Thursday.
On Independence Day, police, supported by the army, swiftly deployed outside the NUP headquarters in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala City. Fourteen individuals, including Lewis Rubongoya, the party’s Secretary General, party Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, and Nakawa West Member of Parliament, were arrested. The NUP leaders and their supporters had gathered at the party headquarters to hold prayers for individuals they claimed were killed or unjustly detained by security personnel before and during the 2021 general elections. The 14 detainees were eventually released in the evening without any charges against them.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango later explained that the arrests were made to prevent the incitement of violence. The arrest of NUP members led to the cancellation of nationwide tours that were scheduled to resume on Tuesday, led by the party president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.