Police confirm raid on NUP headquarters

Police have confirmed conducting a raid on the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kamwokya and Kavule, citing intelligence reports of unauthorized military training within the party premises.

The operation, which was carried out in coordination with other security agencies, saw heavy deployment of armed personnel around the party offices, restricting access and detaining several party officials.

According to a police press release, the raid was prompted by reports of “unauthorized military drills” at NUP offices.

“Following reports of unauthorized military drills at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kavule and their premise in Kamwokya in Kampala City, the Uganda Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has mounted a coordinated security operation,” Police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke said. “Our security personnel are currently conducting searches at the mentioned locations. Further updates on the outcomes of this operation will be provided in due course.”

Despite the police justification, NUP leadership has dismissed the allegations .

Party President Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the siege, calling it a continued violation of the party’s rights. In a post, he wrote:“ Our headquarters have been surrounded by security forces since dawn. This blatant violation of our rights is unacceptable. We demand the immediate release of our detained comrades and the withdrawal of security personnel from our premises.” Eyewitnesses reported intensive searches inside NUP offices, with security operatives seizing computers and party documents. Some party members who attempted to access the premises were turned away, while others were reportedly arrested.

The latest security operation against NUP comes amid increasing tensions between the opposition party and the government, with NUP accusing authorities of suppressing political activities ahead of the next electoral cycle.Political analysts and human rights groups have raised concerns about the state of political freedoms in Uganda, calling for an impartial investigation into the incident. As the situation unfolds, the police have assured the public that further updates will be provided. Meanwhile, NUP supporters have vowed to resist what they describe as state intimidation and persecution.