The former Coordinator of Intelligence Services in Uganda, Gen (Rtd) David Sejusa, has warned opposition leaders against making mistakes while pushing for the release of Col. (Rtd) Kizza Besigye from Luzira Prison, describing it; a strategic political battle for state power.

On Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, Sejusa posted on his X account, emphasizing, “This fight is beyond law, courts, judges, and even rights, highlighting the political stakes underlying Besigye’s situation.”

Sejusa warned the opposition against simplistic approaches, stating, “This fight is about political power; it cannot be won by posting coffins and photos of Besigye.”

He said the issue is more complex as it involves “restructuring the military as an institution of state,” making it “a fundamental fight” that few fully comprehend.

Sejusa criticized the approach of activists using social media campaigns, calling it “ignorance and indiscipline of keyboard warriors.”

He said, “Insults and blackmail don’t win wars; numbers, ideas, and conviction do. Convince people; don’t insult and intimidate. Political struggles are won by building a broad base of support rather than alienating potential allies.”

Sejusa cautioned opposition to separating Besigye’s health from political objectives.

“Don’t tie getting him medical care with overthrowing Museveni’s government. If you do, then I’m afraid you are jeopardizing Besigye’s life,” Sejusa warned.

He advised the group to focus on ensuring Besigye is taken “before a competent court” where he can be granted bail.

Sejusa warned that if the situation is not handled with “cool heads,” it could escalate conflict. “The current standoff is beyond legalities; it’s politics, it’s power,” Sejusa added.

On Monday, 17th February 2025, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the ICT Minister, confirmed visiting Besigye from Luzira and suggested that his health condition wasn’t that worrying.

The controversy surrounding Besigye’s detention continues to unfold, with increasing calls from his family, political allies, and human rights groups for his immediate release on medical grounds.

His statement comes amid growing concerns about continued trial of Besigye in the military court martial despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians.

Besigye was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, threatening national security, and treason—a charge that carries the death penalty. He denies all accusations.

National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as ‘Bobi Wine’ has condemned the police raid at the party’s headquarters situated in Kavule,  Kamokya.

Kyagulanyi labelled this action as ‘a continued violation of the party’s rights.’

“Our headquarters have been surrounded by security forces since dawn. This blatant violation of our rights is unacceptable,” he said on his X.

Kyagulanyi demanded the immediate release of their detained comrades and the withdrawal of security personnel from our premises.

In an operation which began on February 21, 2025, joint security forces conducted thorough searches of both locations following reports of unauthorized military drills.

Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, in a follow-up press release issued today, Saturday, February 22, 2025,   affirmed the successful completion of their search activities.

“The Kamwokya location was finished on February 21, while the search at the NUP headquarters in Kavule concluded today, February 22 afternoon,” Kituuma said.

According to the Uganda Police Force, several exhibits were recovered during the operation.

“The recovered items will be used as evidence as part of the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.

The police emphasized that further updates regarding the operation would be provided as necessary promising to provide further updates on the outcomes of this operation will be provided in due course.

Journalists covering the National Unity Platform (NUP) were today assaulted by military officials guarding the party’s headquarters at Makerere Kavule. The incident occurred as NUP leaders, including Vice President for Buganda Region Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, and Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, attempted to gain access to their premises.

The military, which had occupied the NUP headquarters for two days, initially denied the leaders entry. In the process, soldiers reportedly beat journalists covering the event using electricity cables. Ssenyonyi later confirmed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the military eventually allowed them access, revealing the offices had been extensively vandalized.

In his post, Ssenyonyi detailed the extent of the damage:
“Today we went to the NUP School of Leadership in Kamwokya and found that the military had vandalized our property. We proceeded to our Headquarters in Kavule, and the military was still in place. They first denied us access and even beat up some journalists using cable wires. We insisted that if they were conducting a legal search, we ought to be present. They eventually departed, and we accessed our offices.

In the two days that they have been at our premises, they have wreaked so much havoc. Doors were broken, money was taken from our accounts office, computers were stolen, electricity and internet wires were cut, cameras were disconnected, and a lot more property was destroyed.

We are going to do proper stock-taking to establish all that’s been taken and the extent of the damage. While these illegal acts tend to disorganize our operations a little bit, they will not break our spirit.”

The raid on the NUP headquarters comes just 48 hours after the opposition held joint prayers, raising concerns about a continued crackdown on dissent. The party has accused the government of using intimidation and harassment to suppress opposition activities.

NUP leaders have vowed to document the damages and hold those responsible accountable. They also condemned the assault on journalists, calling it an attack on press freedom and democracy.

The incident has sparked outrage among human rights activists and opposition supporters, who are demanding an end to the militarization of political spaces and respect for constitutional rights.

As tensions escalate, NUP remains resolute, asserting that such acts of repression will only strengthen their resolve to fight for justice and democracy in Uganda.