Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has demanded an explanation from the Electoral Commission (EC) after police blocked his planned rally in Iganga District earlier this week.
Kyagulanyi said the obstruction was unjustified and violated his right to freely engage with citizens as part of his nationwide mobilization campaign. “We demand that the Electoral Commission tells Ugandans whether opposition parties are still allowed to consult and organize,” he stated.
Police had earlier claimed that the NUP leader defied agreed routes and violated security protocols — a claim the opposition disputes. Kyagulanyi, however, insists that his activities were peaceful and lawfully notified to authorities, accusing police of acting on political orders to frustrate his outreach efforts.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about political freedoms ahead of the 2026 general elections, with NUP leaders accusing the government of selective enforcement of electoral regulations.
The Electoral Commission has yet to issue an official statement regarding the standoff. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have urged authorities to uphold fairness and equality for all political actors during the pre-election period.
