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By Amiri Wabusimba.
Opposition politics in Uganda, as in much of Africa, finds itself entangled in a paradox: parties that demand free, fair, and transparent elections from the ruling regime often fail to uphold the same democratic principles within their own ranks. The upcoming 2026 general elections and the Kawempe North by-election, triggered by the death of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, have once again laid bare the deep-seated contradictions within Uganda’s opposition. These events serve as a crucial litmus test: Can opposition parties offer a credible alternative to the status quo, or are they merely mirroring the very political dysfunction they seek to replace?
 
National Unity Platform (NUP) recently introduced debates in its primaries for the Kawempe North by-election an unprecedented move that initially raised hopes of a shift towards transparency. Yet, the real question remains: Was this a sincere commitment to internal democracy, or a one-time spectacle to appease critics? As the Ugandan proverb goes, “The more the monkey climbs the tree, the more it exposes its nakedness.” If the debate was merely a political show, then the closer NUP and other opposition parties claim to be to democratic ideals, the more their internal contradictions will be exposed.
 
Despite receiving applications from nine aspirants and following their internal process, NUP ultimately fronted Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola, a former Democratic Party (DP) stalwart and legal advisor. His selection has sparked controversy, raising concerns over whether the decision was guided by ideological conviction or transactional politics. The pattern is familiar: across Africa, opposition parties routinely prioritize strategic alliances over grassroots representation, diluting their founding principles in the name of political expediency.
 
Uganda’s opposition struggles mirror broader trends across the continent. In Kenya, Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has frequently been accused of sidelining grassroots leaders in favor of well-connected elites, with party primaries marred by allegations of favoritism. In Nigeria, defections between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are so common that ideological consistency has become meaningless, as politicians hop between parties based on personal gain. Ugandan opposition, particularly NUP, risks following this trajectory with foot soldiers (ordinary men and women) who have faced police brutality and persecution to popularize the party now find themselves sidelined in favor of political elites, lawyers, and businessmen with the right connections.
 
One of the biggest threats to opposition credibility is the increasing monetization of party endorsements. Allegations of “cash-for-tickets” politics have surfaced within NUP, with claims that aspirants with deep pockets are prioritized over those with genuine grassroots appeal. Nalukoola’s selection for Kawempe North has raised similar concerns. Was he chosen based on ideological alignment with NUP, or was his selection the product of financial and political transactions? If opposition parties continue to engage in opaque selection processes, they risk losing the moral high ground against ruling parties they accuse of electoral malpractice. Just like a Ugandan proverb “A man who points at another’s house with a dirty hand forgets that his own house is burning.” If opposition parties criticize the ruling regime for corruption and lack of transparency but fail to clean up their own houses, they will struggle to inspire confidence among voters.
 
The introduction of debates in the NUP primaries marked a potential shift in Uganda’s political culture. But will this model be replicated in future elections, or was it a one-time event designed to project an image of transparency? If NUP is serious about fostering democracy, debates should become a mandatory part of primaries rather than an isolated case. However, Uganda’s political history suggests that internal democratic reforms are often abandoned when they threaten entrenched power structures. What worked in Kawempe North may not necessarily work in other constituencies, particularly rural areas where different political dynamics are at play. If debates disappear in other regions, it will confirm suspicions that the exercise was merely a performance tailored for urban voters.
 
Opposition parties in Uganda must recognize that their survival depends not just on their ability to challenge incumbents but also on their ability to govern themselves democratically. Transparent internal debates, rigorous candidate vetting, and meaningful grassroots inclusion are essential if opposition movements are to remain credible. The real backbone of any political movement is not in boardrooms or legal chambers but in the streets, the markets, the ghettos, and the villages where ordinary Ugandans have put their lives on the line for change. Yet, if they continue to be sidelined in favor of political elites, opposition parties may soon find themselves without a dedicated support base.
 
As Uganda moves toward the 2026 elections, the electorate is watching closely. The foot soldiers who carried the opposition on their backs will not be fooled by rhetoric alone. They demand and deserve a say in the direction of the movement they built with blood, sweat, and tears. If opposition parties fail to recognize this, they will soon discover that the true barrier to change is not just the ruling party it is their own internal contradictions. The Kawempe North by-election is more than just a local contest it is a defining moment for Uganda’s opposition. Will they honor their foot soldiers, or will they continue to betray them for short-term political gains? The answer will determine not just the outcome of the by-election but the future of opposition politics in Uganda and beyond.
 
If opposition leaders fail to institutionalize transparency, voters will see through the façade and if they continue down the path of political elitism and financial influence, they may unwittingly secure the very status quo they claim to oppose. In the end, true political transformation will not come from speeches or televised debates alone it will come from genuine accountability, both within parties and in the broader political arena. For Uganda’s opposition, the stakes have never been higher. The time for self-correction is now. The electorate is watching, and history will judge.
 
Amiri Wabusimba is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist. Tel: +56775103895 email: Wabusimbaa@gmail.com

The Price of a Political Ticket: Has Uganda’s Opposition Become a Marketplace for Power?

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Gen. Sejusa Mocks Opposition’s #FreeBesigye Campaign

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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.

https://hoimapost.co.ug/gen-sejusa-mocks-oppositions-freebesigye-campaign/
https://hoimapost.co.ug/gen-sejusa-mocks-oppositions-freebesigye-campaign/ , hoimapost.co.ug

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NUP Chief Kyagulanyi Condemns Siege on Kavule Premises

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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.

https://hoimapost.co.ug/nup-chief-kyagulanyi-condemns-siege-on-kavule-premises/
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Military Beats Journalists, Vandalizes NUP Headquarters as Party Leaders Demand Access

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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.

https://hoimapost.co.ug/military-beats-journalists-vandalizes-nup-headquarters-as-party-leaders-demand-access/
https://hoimapost.co.ug/military-beats-journalists-vandalizes-nup-headquarters-as-party-leaders-demand-access/ , hoimapost.co.ug

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