Luwero Woman MP Accuses Police of Unjustifiably Blocking NUP Meeting

Brenda Nabukenya, the Woman Member of Parliament for Luwero District, has strongly condemned the police in Bombo for allegedly disrupting a National Unity Platform (NUP) strategy meeting. The gathering, which was intended to prepare youth candidates for the upcoming general elections in Katikamu South Constituency, was scheduled to take place at Kalule in Nnyimbwa Sub-county.

Nabukenya, a prominent figure within the opposition NUP, described the police's actions as a “blatant act of intimidation.” She stated that officers from Bombo Police Station—accompanied by patrol vehicles and armed personnel—descended on the peaceful assembly without prior warning or explanation.

According to Nabukenya, the heavy police presence was meant “to cow, silence, and crush their spirits.” However, she asserted that NUP members would not be intimidated by “the regime’s strong-arm tactics.” “Our mission to bring about change, fight for justice, and advocate for the voiceless in Uganda will not stop,” she said. 

“For as long as we still live, we will continue to resist oppression, to challenge the status quo, and to demand a better future for our people—because that is what they deserve, nothing more and nothing less.” Police officers at the scene declined to comment, stating they were not authorized to speak to the media. 

Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, had not responded to Uganda Radio Network’s (URN) requests for comment regarding the incident by the time of filing this story. This is not the first time police have disrupted NUP-related activities in the Greater Luwero sub-region. 

In mid-November 2024, police in Nakasongola District blocked a planned visit by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine. He was scheduled to hold a public rally in Migyeera and commission new party offices. Despite prior arrangements, the District Police Commander (DPC) later announced the event's cancellation, citing orders from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The cancellation was followed by a heavy deployment of joint security forces—including the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)—to clear the venue and prevent the gathering from taking place. In response, National Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated on behalf of the IGP, accusing the NUP of violating road safety regulations during their November 14 tour in Buikwe District.