By The leadership of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced plans to take legal action against the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Attorney General in the High Court following the destruction of party property during a recent security raid on their headquarters in Kampala.
Last Friday, security forces raided the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, as well as the Kamwokya Leadership School, reportedly in search of incriminating evidence against certain party leaders.
One of the party’s legal representatives, Mr. George Musisi, condemned the operation, stating that security personnel unlawfully entered the premises without obtaining a court-issued search warrant, making their actions illegal and unacceptable.
“There was no justifiable reason not to present a search warrant. We are a legally registered organization with known leadership and legal representation. The authorities had no right to forcibly evict everyone from the premises. If the search was genuinely for evidential purposes, relevant parties should have been present,” Mr. Musisi said.
Ugandan law, specifically the Criminal Procedure Code Act, requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before conducting searches on private property. A warrant is only granted when an officer provides sworn evidence to a court, demonstrating reasonable grounds for believing relevant evidence may be found on the premises.
“This week, we will be taking legal action against the police and army for unlawful intrusion, robbery, and malicious damage to property. Items including computers, CCTV cameras, furniture, and a total of Shs32 million were taken from our offices,” Mr. Musisi added.
He further alleged that the operation was not an investigation into any criminal activity but rather a deliberate act of political intimidation. “Security forces are being used as a tool of coercion by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to suppress opposition and interfere with legitimate political activities,” he stated.
Ms. Doreen Kaija, the administrator of the NUP Leadership School, reported that various items, including laptops, cameras, windows, doors, and library books, had been destroyed during the raid, while Shs2 million in cash was stolen.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, took to X (formerly Twitter) to claim that some of the stolen electronic devices had been traced to security installations through GPS tracking.
“We have tracked some of the stolen computers, phones, and other electronic gadgets to the Police Headquarters at Naguru, while others have been taken to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) headquarters in Mbuya,” Kyagulanyi alleged.
He further stated, “Attempts are being made to hack into these devices. However, our IT teams are actively working to safeguard our data. Fortunately, we have been monitoring all their actions in real-time.”
NUP Leaders React to the Raid
Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament:
“In the two days they occupied our premises, security operatives caused immense destruction. Doors were broken, money was stolen from our accounts office, computers were confiscated, electricity and internet cables were cut, and surveillance cameras were disconnected. We are conducting a thorough assessment to establish the full extent of the damage and losses. While these illegal acts disrupt our operations, they will not weaken our resolve.”
Benjamin Katana, NUP National Treasurer:
“The criminal behavior of dictatorial regimes has never prevented people from reclaiming power. This regime will not be an exception.”
