On September 8, 2025, Uganda police arrested Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, deputy spokesperson for the National Unity Platform (NUP), outside a Kampala court.
The incident has sparked fears of a government crackdown on opposition members before the 2026 elections.
Trouble at Court
Joel Ssenyonyi, the opposition leader in parliament, said police “roughly grabbed” Mufumbiro and pushed him into a silver Toyota Noah minivan (license plate UAK 368K).
Mufumbiro was at a bail hearing for NUP members, including activist Eddie Mutwe, who face charges the party says are unfair. Ssenyonyi posted online, calling President Yoweri Museveni’s government “cowardly and wrong.”
Police Speak Out
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the arrest but didn’t share why or when Mufumbiro will go to court.
Patrick Onyango, another police official, said Mufumbiro is charged with “illegal gatherings,” like Mutwe and others.
Police deny targeting the opposition, saying arrests are for crimes only and rejecting claims of mistreatment.
Rising Tensions
The NUP, led by Bobi Wine, claims the government is increasing attacks and arrests to hurt their 2026 election campaign.
Earlier in 2025, Eddie Mutwe was arrested and showed signs of torture, according to Justice Minister Norbert Mao, who urged fast court action but didn’t name those responsible.
The NUP also said Mufumbiro’s home was searched, possibly to “make up evidence.”
Why It Matters
Mufumbiro’s arrest is part of a pattern targeting NUP members, raising worries about a bigger plan to quiet opposition voices.
The party sees this as an effort to weaken their campaign, testing Uganda’s democracy as the 2026 elections near.
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