Opposition leaders have accused the government of presiding over an escalating campaign of political repression characterised by arbitrary arrests, alleged abductions and intimidation of critics, warning that the country is drifting towards lawlessness.
Speaking at a joint press conference hosted by the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) at Uganda House in Kampala today, leaders from several opposition parties condemned what they described as a systematic assault on constitutional rights and civil liberties.
They urged Ugandans to reject fear and speak out against what they termed growing injustice. The joint appearance comes amid heightened political tensions following a series of arrests involving opposition politicians and activists, as well as mounting controversy over public statements by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The opposition cited his posts on X, which have repeatedly targeted political opponents, journalists and government critics, arguing that they have contributed to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Patriotic Front for Freedom (PFF) Vice President Proscovia Salaamu Musumba said Uganda had increasingly become a symbol of political repression in the region, alleging that its methods of suppressing dissent were influencing neighbouring countries.
“We are inviting the nation to the table of peace, security and unity,” Musumba said, calling on citizens to overcome fear and work together to restore democratic governance. UPC President Jimmy Akena urged Ugandans not to remain silent in the face of what he described as growing injustice, arguing that silence only emboldens those who abuse state power.
He also called on President Yoweri Museveni to rein in his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying the CDF’s conduct was undermining public confidence in state institutions.
The opposition leaders also expressed concern over what they described as an increasing disregard for the rule of law, accusing security agencies of selectively targeting government critics while operating with impunity.
Justice Forum (JEEMA) Chairman Kibirige Mayanja condemned the recent arrests of opposition figures, questioning the rationale behind detaining elderly politicians and subjecting suspects to inhumane and degrading treatment.
“What do you gain by arresting a woman of my age? What do you gain by imprisoning her?” Mayanja asked, referring to the recent arrest and remand of veteran politician and former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe.
He warned that continued disregard for constitutional safeguards risked fuelling public frustration. “For every action, there must be a reaction,” he said. “It is not in anybody’s interest to continue in a situation where there is no law, no rights and no order.”
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), represented by Robert Centenary, said the continued erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms was pushing the country towards dangerous instability. He argued that an expanding climate of fear had forced many Ugandans into silence while weakening public confidence in institutions mandated to protect citizens.
“The government needs to address the nation because people need to be heard,” Centenary said. “This country belongs to all of us equally.” He further criticised public officials whom he accused of failing to uphold the Constitution despite occupying offices entrusted with enforcing the law. “You cannot demand respect for the law when those entrusted with enforcing it are themselves disregarding it,” he said.
The joint statement comes in the wake of several high-profile arrests in recent weeks, including that of former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe, who was later charged and remanded to Luzira Prison for promoting hate speech.Opposition leaders said they are considering legal action against Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and state agencies they accuse of arbitrary arrests, human rights violations and other actions they believe contravene the Constitution. URN