As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general elections, opposition Members of Parliament have raised concern over what they describe as a worsening clampdown on civic space and political freedoms.
During a parliamentary plenary session on September 3, 2025, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda accused security agencies of persistently harassing opposition leaders and blocking their activities.
Ssemujju said opposition politicians continue to face restrictions in engaging with their constituents. He cited cases of police blocking meetings, seizing property, and using tear gas to disperse gatherings.
“In my constituency near Bweyogerere Police, my tents were recently confiscated,” he told Parliament. “In Mityana, as chief of staff for PFF, I was barred from holding a meeting in a tent to open an office and swear in new leaders. When we relocated to a Catholic church three kilometers away, we managed to proceed. But upon our return to open the office, police labeled it a procession and fired tear gas at us.”
The legislator questioned whether political parties had been banned in Uganda, and why MPs were increasingly restricted from addressing the citizens who elected them.
Ssemujju further condemned unlawful arrests and abductions, highlighting the prolonged detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye and the recent abduction of opposition activist Sam Mugumya by unknown armed men on August 26, 2025. “Those in power seem indifferent to public outcry, caring only for their own interests,” he said.
Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga also demanded answers regarding Mugumya’s disappearance. “Will the Minister of Internal Affairs tell the public whether he knows Mugumya’s whereabouts? If he is in custody, why hasn’t he been taken to court, and what is happening to him so his family can pursue justice?” Mpuuga asked.
In response, Speaker Anita Among directed the Minister of Internal Affairs to address the concerns and provide Parliament and the public, with an update on the matter.
