Gulu City — The National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused Uganda’s security forces—commanded politically by President Yoweri Museveni and militarily influenced by his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—of violently blocking its rally in Gulu City. This NUP rally blockade in Gulu allegedly enabled the destruction of campaign property. The party says the incident represents yet another calculated attempt to cripple opposition mobilisation ahead of the coming election.
According to NUP’s report, security operatives from the UPDF and Uganda Police Force cordoned off the rally venue before party leaders arrived, blocking access and allegedly brutalizing several campaign members.
Pull Quote: “UPDF and police operatives have blocked us from accessing our rally venue in Gulu City.”
NUP claims the aggressive security deployment was unjustified and intended to intimidate supporters in a region where the party has been gaining momentum.
NUP Says ‘Goons’ Raided Venue Under Police Protection
The party further alleges that earlier in the day, groups of unidentified individuals—described as “goons” operating under police protection—raided the venue and vandalized critical campaign equipment. The destroyed items reportedly included the public-address system, speakers, and an amplifier.
Pull Quote: “Our rally venue was raided by goons under regime police protection. Our sound system and amplifier were vandalized.”
NUP leaders argue that the act was not random vandalism, but a coordinated effort to cripple their ability to address supporters.
Electoral Commission Accused of Silent Complicity
The party also criticised the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing it of failing to intervene or restrain state actors during repeated attacks on opposition events.
Pull Quote: “The regime is enabling violence against us, and the Electoral Commission is just looking on.”
NUP says the EC’s silence undermines confidence in its neutrality and responsibility as the overseer of the electoral process.
Rubongoya: ‘This Election Is Between the People and a Few Criminals’
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya weighed in strongly following the Gulu incident, framing the election as a battle between ordinary Ugandans and a small clique he accuses of hijacking the state.
Pull Quote: “This election is clearly between the PEOPLE and a few criminals who have captured the state. The people will triumph in the end.” — David Lewis Rubongoya
Rubongoya’s remarks amplified the party’s position that the Gulu blockade is part of a broader strategy to suppress public will and undermine fair competition.
Security Forces Yet to Respond
By press time, neither the UPDF nor the Uganda Police Force had issued a formal response. Security agencies have previously defended similar actions as enforcement of public order and compliance with campaign guidelines—though critics argue such justification is selectively applied against opposition groups.
Civil society organizations and election observers warn that escalating confrontations and interference with opposition activities could erode confidence in the credibility of the upcoming polls.
As NUP vows to push forward with its mobilisation efforts, the Gulu incident has once again raised pressing questions about political freedom, state neutrality, and the broader direction of Uganda’s electoral landscape.
