According to NUP officials, the arrests which began in October 2025, as campaign activities ramped up have spread across multiple regions, including Kampala, Mbarara, Arua, Masaka, and other districts. Those detained reportedly include local party leaders, campaign coordinators, young activists, and volunteers involved in organizing rallies and election events.

NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) accused President Museveni’s government of “using police and security forces to harass anyone expressing dissenting political views.” He said some detainees were held in undisclosed locations without access to courts, while others were released but in distress.

The Uganda Police Force denied the allegations, stating that the arrests were related to illegal activities such as unauthorized mass gatherings, property damage, and public disorder. Officials stressed that “political activity is allowed but must comply with the law.”

Recently, some detainees were released after courts found insufficient evidence against them. However, others remain in custody facing charges such as “assaulting police officers” or “public disorder,” which NUP claims are tactics intended to intimidate opposition supporters.

Independent legal observers have noted that these developments highlight growing challenges to fair political participation and raise concerns about the protection of civil liberties ahead of the elections.

The arrests have heightened tensions as Uganda prepares for the 2026 presidential vote. President Museveni, who has been in power for over 40 years, faces a significant challenge from opposition forces seeking political change.

Despite the crackdown, NUP has vowed to continue its campaigning. Bobi Wine called on the international community to pay attention to the situation, stating that “free and fair elections are impossible when political opponents are routinely detained.”