By The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused security forces of looting valuables, cash, and official party documents during a raid on its Kamwokya headquarters and Leadership School in Kampala.
The operation, conducted from February 21 to 22 by the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), was officially described as an investigation into alleged military activities within NUP. However, the party has dismissed this justification, labeling the raid as “a politically motivated attack aimed at crippling its operations ahead of the 2026 elections.”
On Monday, three individuals identified as NUP foot soldiers, along with two party officials, were welcomed back from detention by hundreds of supporters chanting revolutionary songs. Meanwhile, armed security forces maintained a light presence around NUP’s headquarters in Kavule, Makerere.
Among those released were Rashid Kinobe, Samuel Joseph Bbongole, and Sharif Kiyemba, who claimed they were subjected to torture while in custody. Alex Rovans Lwanyaga and Eddie Kayabula, both members of NUP’s Electoral Management Committee, were also freed.
However, the party asserts that several other supporters remain in detention, following a military-style parade organized to celebrate NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine)’s birthday on February 13.
“They released them because this regime only acts when it feels our pressure,” Bobi Wine stated.
Speaking at a press briefing, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya accused security forces of stealing Shs44,235,000, in addition to seizing electronic devices, party merchandise, and crucial documents.
“They vandalized our doors, destroyed our CCTV system, and even took our official party stamps. This was a targeted operation designed to paralyze our activities. We will take legal action,” Rubongoya said.
List of Items Allegedly Stolen:
Electronics and IT Equipment:
- 15 laptops
- 1 full computer set
- 10 CPUs
- 5 hard drives
- 5 projectors
- 5 video cameras
- 3 DVRs
- 1 printer
- 3 booms
- 1 internet server
- 1 Bluetooth speaker
- 5 camera lenses
- 2 flat-screen televisions
Documents and Valuables:
- Passport of NUP Leadership School administrator Doreen Kaija
- 250 textbooks from the party’s library
- Shs44 million in cash
Party Merchandise:
- 2,000 membership cards
- 420 shirts branded with Bobi Wine’s image
- 75 cups, 75 umbrellas
- 272 branded caps
- 7 football jersey sets
- 12 footballs
Security agencies have yet to comment on the allegations. However, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke previously stated that the siege and property confiscations were part of an ongoing investigation into “illegal military training at NUP premises.”
“The Uganda Police Force confirms that several exhibits were recovered from these premises and will be used as evidence,” Rusoke said on February 22.
NUP maintains that the raid was a deliberate effort to disrupt its operations and intimidate its leadership ahead of the 2026 elections, vowing to pursue legal action against those responsible.
