Police Deploy Heavily Outside NUP Headquarters Ahead of Party Anniversary

Police patrol parked outside the NUP offices at Kavule

KAMPALA, Uganda — Heavy police deployment surrounded the National Unity Platform headquarters in Kavule on Wednesday ahead of the party’s sixth-anniversary celebrations, though authorities said no access restrictions were in place.

Police pickups loaded with Field Force Unit officers from Kawempe Police Division and Wandegeya Police Station took strategic positions along Bombo Road leading to the NUP offices. Anti-riot personnel equipped with shields, teargas canisters and firearms were stationed outside the premises, with FFU officers camped adjacent and motorized units parked opposite.

The deployment has, however, not blocked the road, with officers seen lining up and taking instructions from commanders.

Although none of the National Unity Platform-NUP leaders or supporters have been denied access to the premises, only a few people have been seen entering the office. Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Rachel Kawala, said she was yet to be briefed about the deployment and activities at the NUP offices.

Several National Unity Platform-NUP activities in the past have been blocked by security agencies and ended in arrests. In a party statement, NUP announced celebrations to mark six years in the struggle to take leadership from the ruling National Resistance Movement-NRM. Via his X platform this morning, the Party Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said the journey so far has been filled with tears, relentless setbacks, heartaches, and roadblocks, a reason to celebrate.

“Forgive us where we have fallen short, especially those times when we have sought to rely on our own abilities and not looked up to you. We place into your hands the souls of those we have lost, and pray that you give strength to those who have been injured, those in detention, and those who are missing. Give grace to their families,” Lubongoya said.