As the country prepares for the State of the Nation Address by President Museveni this afternoon, opposition Members of Parliament have announced a boycott, citing unresolved political, security and human rights concerns.
Speaking to the media in his office, Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru said the address comes at a time when Uganda is facing heightened health concerns following reports of a possible Ebola outbreak linked to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We have had the Ministry of Health raising a red flag of Ebola outbreak and we are very conscious about the health situation in the country. Even government was clear on attendance at the Uganda Martyrs celebrations in Namugongo yesterday, and over 500 people will be in attendance including those from Bundibugyo, the epicentre of Ebola,” Mwiru said.
He further cited continued detention of opposition supporters and alleged violations of human rights as key reasons for the boycott.
“Our supporters, as I speak today, are still in Luzira prison, and efforts for their court bail have not yielded anything to date,” he said.
Mwiru added that opposition MPs were also demanding accountability over alleged electoral irregularities in the 2026 general elections, saying results from polling stations remain a key concern for their party.
He said the decision to stay away from the State of the Nation Address was also influenced by security considerations and overcrowding risks.
“I do not want to go into the crowd, and many people have been invited from Bundibugyo,” he added.