KIBOGA. Police in Kiboga District have arrested 11 members of the National UnityPlatform (NUP), including the area Woman Member of Parliament, Christine Kaaya Nakimwero, over alleged breaches of electoral regulations during campaign activities.
The arrests, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, have triggered controversy and concern about the shrinking space for opposition politics as the country prepares for local elections.
The NUP, Uganda’s main opposition party, has accused security forces of routinely targeting its mobilisers under the guise of enforcing electoral laws.
According to Police, the group violated Electoral Commission regulations by holding a gathering beyond the permitted 6pm time limit.
The operation began on Monday evening in Gogonya, Kiboga Sub-county, when nine NUP members were arrested.
Two others were detained on Tuesday morning as they attempted to check on their colleagues at the police station.
Eyewitnesses described the arrests as chaotic. Police officers reportedly swooped in to disperse the gathering, forcing several supporters, including MP Kaaya, to flee.
In the ensuing commotion, Kaaya allegedly lost her bag and phone before being apprehended and taken to Kiboga Police Station.
NUP members said the meeting was meant to strategize on campaign mobilisation for their candidates ahead of the local elections.
They insist the gathering was consultative and did not violate any electoral rule.
“We are very concerned about the escalating situation,” said Councillor Elizabeth Nakyesero, the youth representative for Kiboga.
“The police seem determined to silence us and prevent us from exercising our democratic rights. Every time we try to hold a meeting, they harass or arrest us.”
Police have defended their actions, saying the operation was lawful. Kiboga District Police Commander (DPC) Jjingo Julius said officers were simply enforcing Electoral Commission guidelines.
“We are committed to maintaining law and order in the district,” DPC Jjingo said.
“We will not hesitate to take action against anyone who violates electoral regulations. Our duty is to ensure the elections are peaceful and lawful.”
The head of the Electoral Commission in Kiboga District, Isaac Byamugisha, warned that the Commission would not hesitate to disqualify any candidate who flouts the rules.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring free and fair elections,” Byamugisha said.
“We will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of the process. All candidates must respect the law.”
The arrests have divided opinion in Kiboga. Some residents have supported the police action, saying it was necessary to uphold order, while others see it as another instance of state repression against the opposition.
Analysts say the incident highlights Uganda’s continuing struggle with political freedoms, especially during election periods.
Critics accuse the government of using the police to intimidate opposition figures, while state officials insist the enforcement of rules applies equally to all parties.
Human rights organisations and sections of the international community are following the situation closely, urging authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to assembly and political expression.
The NUP has vowed to continue its mobilisation efforts despite the arrests and is considering legal action to secure the release of its detained members.