Bobi Wine’s NUP Faces Potential Ban Over Alleged Militancy Ahead of 2026 Polls
Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni’s government is reportedly considering banning the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, ahead of the 2026 general elections. The move follows escalating claims of militancy, youth radicalization, and threats to national security tied to the party’s activities.
Sources confirm the topic was discussed in a recent UPDF High Command meeting chaired by President Museveni at State House, Entebbe. Military officials reportedly expressed deep concern about what they called NUP’s growing intolerance of divergent views and efforts to mobilize youth through radical messaging.
Museveni Condemns “Hooliganism”
In his post-meeting address, Museveni emphasized the importance of maintaining disciplined democracy, warning against political intimidation.
“Politicians engaging in practices that intimidate citizens must stop. This is not the African way,” he stated. “Security agencies have discussed this issue, and it will come to an end.”
Museveni also urged Uganda’s youth to resist being “misled into violence,” urging allegiance to NRM values such as patriotism and peaceful civic engagement.
Arrests and Charges Against NUP Members
The government’s stance comes amid a wave of arrests targeting NUP members:
- Eddie Mutwe, Bobi Wine’s longtime bodyguard, is facing robbery charges in the Masaka High Court.
- Other detained members include Achileo Kivumbi, Gaddafi Mugumya, and Smart Wakabi, also charged with robbery.
Authorities allege the group orchestrated violence at public events, including the burial of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. NUP maintains these charges are politically motivated.
Top Officials Hint at Crackdown
Statements by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni’s son, have fueled speculation about a wider crackdown:
“We are going to smash them once and for all!” Muhoozi posted on X.
“We will never allow hooligans and puppets to come anywhere near power.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kizza Besigye, another prominent opposition leader, is currently detained on treason charges, in what analysts see as part of a growing trend of opposition suppression.
Legal Path to Ban Under Consideration
Insiders suggest the government may invoke Section 56(2) of the Penal Code, a law used in 2012 to outlaw the Activists for Change (A4C) movement on similar grounds. Then-Attorney General Peter Nyombi declared A4C an “unlawful society,” citing incitement and violence during rallies.
A similar legal approach could now target NUP, with some officials reportedly pushing for a one-year suspension of the party’s operations if a full ban is not enacted.
NUP Responds
The National Unity Platform denies any involvement in militant activities and reaffirms its commitment to peaceful, democratic change in Uganda. Bobi Wine has long accused the government of using intimidation and legal persecution to stifle dissent.
As the 2026 elections approach, the possibility of NUP’s dissolution or suspension is poised to intensify political tensions in the country.
