The National Unity Platform (NUP) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of its Kawempe South Lord Councillor candidate, Mukiibi Denis, who was reportedly seized by heavily armed soldiers in Kawempe on monday night.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, said Mukiibi was picked up under unclear circumstances and that his whereabouts remain unknown.
“He joins a long list of NUP leaders and activists who are being picked up by these criminals as we approach the 2026 elections,” Kyagulanyi stated.
Kyagulanyi described the incident as part of a broader and deliberate pattern of political repression that he has repeatedly warned about. He noted that as Uganda draws closer to the 2026 general elections, opposition figures are increasingly becoming targets of intimidation, arrests, and abductions.
“This is exactly what we warned Ugandans and the international community about,” Kyagulanyi has previously said, arguing that such actions are often used to suppress political competition during election periods.
Party leaders and supporters have since demanded the immediate release of Mukiibi Denis or his presentation before a competent court of law, emphasising that any lawful arrest must strictly follow due process.
Human rights advocates have also expressed concern over the growing number of reported enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions involving political actors.
By the time of publication, security authorities had not released any official statement regarding Mukiibi’s alleged arrest or detention.
The incident has further heightened concerns over political freedoms, respect for the rule of law, and the safety of opposition candidates as the country heads toward the 2026 elections.
