National Unity Platform (NUP) mobiliser Habib Buwembo has defended the unity of the opposition and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a non-violent approach in its political struggle.
Speaking during NBS Eagle on Sunday, Buwembo responded to claims that there are disagreements within the opposition regarding the leadership of Joel Ssenyonyi, who serves as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
“Rogers has said that some members in the opposition don’t agree with Joel Ssenyonyi, but I want to remind him that many members in the ruling party also don’t agree with the Leader of Government Business, Robinah Nabbanja,” he said.
Buwembo said members of NUP remain united around the party’s leadership and political strategy, adding that the opposition group deliberately chose a peaceful approach in its pursuit of political change.
“We as NUP agreed that we shall use the non-violent approach to win,” he said.
He also addressed recent developments involving the party’s leader and former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. According to Buwembo, Kyagulanyi’s recent travels are part of broader efforts to strengthen international support for the opposition’s cause.
“Robert Kyagulanyi has gone to network the struggle,” he said.
Buwembo’s remarks come shortly after Kyagulanyi announced on Saturday that he would temporarily leave Uganda after more than eight weeks of operating from undisclosed locations.
In a video shared on his social media platforms, the opposition leader said the trip is intended to expand international engagement regarding the outcome of the 2026 presidential election.
“I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends in the diaspora before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy,” Kyagulanyi said.
The two-time presidential candidate has been in hiding since the day after the January 15 polls, claiming he had to evade what he described as “snatch squads” amid a heavy military presence around his residence in Magere.
“The regime has looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues. They couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he said.
Since the January 15, 2026 election, Kyagulanyi has rejected the official results, labeling them “fake” and accusing the Electoral Commission of Uganda of manipulating the electoral process.
He has also alleged that the Commission announced the results without providing the mandatory Declaration of Results forms, although no substantial evidence has been publicly presented to support the claims.
Reports indicate that on January 16, 2026, Kyagulanyi left his residence in Magere and went into hiding following what he said was a raid by military personnel.
Since then, he has continued communicating with supporters through social media, maintaining that state security agencies are targeting him — allegations the government has consistently denied.
Despite disputing the election outcome, Kyagulanyi has stated that he will not challenge the results in court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary.
Instead, he has called on supporters to organise peaceful protests as a demonstration of solidarity against what he describes as a stolen election.
Government officials have repeatedly dismissed claims of political persecution. The Minister for Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, said the state has no intention of arresting or harming the opposition leader.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also urged Kyagulanyi to end what she described as “comedy” and return home to his family.
Responding to statements attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba suggesting security forces were pursuing Kyagulanyi, Baryomunsi clarified that the government’s position remains unchanged.
According to the minister, security deployments around Kyagulanyi’s Magere residence are intended to prevent the home from becoming a “hub for public disorder,” rather than to threaten or detain him.
Police have also stated that their continued presence in Magere is for security reasons and that officers will remain stationed at the residence until Kyagulanyi returns from hiding.
