Uganda's Largest Opposition Party Sealed Off Ahead of Protests

Security forces sealed off the headquarters of Uganda's National Unity Platform party, ahead of planned anti-government protests. Party leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, condemned the action, sharing images of military presence. Protests are against alleged corruption and human rights abuses under President Museveni's long rule.

Security forces sealed off the headquarters of Uganda's largest opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), on Monday, in a precautionary move ahead of planned anti-government protests. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke described the preemptive action as necessary to counter NUP's protest mobilization efforts.

NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, took to social media to voice his outrage, stating that security personnel surrounded the NUP headquarters in Kampala, blocking entry and exit. He also revealed that several NUP leaders were violently arrested and shared images of military personnel at the scene.

Wine, a significant challenger to long-time President Yoweri Museveni, has accused the government of widespread corruption and human rights abuses. While Wine clarified that his party was not organizing the Tuesday protests, he expressed support for them. Ugandan youth leading the demonstrations plan to march to parliament, despite a ban and warnings from Museveni alleging foreign sponsorship behind the protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)