Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) says its officials were prevented by police from entering a scheduled campaign venue in the major northern city of Arua on Wednesday.
Crowds had gathered to receive the party’s 2026 presidential flag bearer, Bobi Wine, as he continued his nationwide mobilisation tour ahead of January’s elections.
The upcoming polls will determine Uganda’s president, members of parliament, and local government leaders. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, has once again been approved by the electoral commission to contest, setting up another intense political showdown.
Missing from the presidential race, however, will be long-time opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has remained behind bars for over a year. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has made a heartfelt appeal demanding his release and fair treatment.
Besigye and his aide were detained in Nairobi in November 2024, flown back to Uganda, and moved straight into custody on treason-related accusations. Their military trial eventually collapsed after the Supreme Court ruled that putting civilians before military courts was unconstitutional. They are now facing treason charges in the High Court.
