By The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has condemned the continued abductions of opposition supporters, saying the trend is eroding multiparty democracy and exposing the state’s double standards.
Addressing members of the press at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, FDC Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Robert Centenary, expressed solidarity with the National Unity Platform (NUP), which he said has borne the brunt of the crackdown.
“We sympathize with our brothers and sisters in NUP who have faced the pain of abductions,” Centenary told journalists. “It is shameful that a government which once opened up multiparty politics is now abducting political leaders and supporters.”
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He stressed that if any opposition member has committed an offence, the law provides for due process. “Pick them to court, don’t bundle them into vans and subject them to degrading treatment,” he said.
Centenary also cautioned security personnel against abusing their oath of service. “That uniform belongs to the people of Uganda. Use it to protect citizens, not to persecute them,” he warned.
The FDC official accused government of applying double standards, contrasting the smooth security escort given to NRM supporters as they marched to the Electoral Commission (EC) with the restrictions opposition parties have faced.
“If this is a multiparty system, then fairness must be both in principle and practice. When NRM is accorded a procession, the same treatment must be extended to the opposition,” he noted.
He further criticized the EC for what he called a “shameful silence” as the country heads into another election cycle without electoral reforms or clear ground rules. “Announcements at press conferences cannot replace proper regulations. This vacuum only gives security agencies room to act with impunity,” he said.
Centenary concluded by urging state institutions to uphold civic rights ahead of the 2026 general elections. “Uganda is not ending today. Institutions must rise above partisanship and serve all citizens equally,” he said.
