Security forces in Fort Portal City on Thursday blocked all major roads leading into the city centre, halting National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi and his supporters from holding a planned protest and vote campaign launch in Western Uganda.
The clampdown began early in Mubende District, where Kyagulanyi’s convoy—joined by a large group of supporters—was intercepted by police patrols and unmarked vehicles.
Witnesses reported a heavy deployment of security personnel along the route, with multiple roadblocks erected to impede their progress.
As the convoy approached Fort Portal, access to the city center was completely sealed off.
Barricades manned by police and other security operatives prevented entry, including to the pre-booked rally venue, which remained locked down throughout the day.
Unable to proceed, Kyagulanyi addressed a crowd gathered at the outskirts of Fort Portal, delivering a defiant speech that sharply criticized the government’s actions.
Using a loudspeaker, he condemned the security operation as “a blatant display of impunity” and an attack on Uganda’s democratic freedoms.
“This blatant disregard for our democratic rights is unacceptable,” Kyagulanyi said.
“The regime fears the people’s voice. They are terrified of the message we bring—of hope and change.”
He accused the government of deliberately stifling dissent, using security forces to intimidate opposition figures and disrupt peaceful political activities.
He pointed to the massive deployment as evidence of skewed priorities.
“The sheer scale of this operation shows where the government’s priorities lie,” he said.
“They would rather suppress political opposition than address the real needs of Ugandans. This is a clear affront to democracy.”
Kyagulanyi’s remarks drew applause and chants from the crowd, which had gathered at Kabundaire SDA Secondary School.
Many expressed anger and frustration, accusing the government of silencing alternative voices ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“This is not just about the NUP. This is about the future of Uganda,” Kyagulanyi added. “We must remain united, demand accountability, and fight for justice and freedom. The struggle for change will continue.”
The incident adds to a growing list of clashes between opposition parties and security forces across Uganda, reigniting debate over the state of political freedoms in the country.
Rights activists and political observers have repeatedly criticized the use of force to block opposition events, describing it as a violation of constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and political expression.
The NUP vowed to continue with its campaign activities, promising to find alternative ways to engage with supporters and sustain political dialogue across the country.
As the political temperature rises ahead of the 2026 elections, it remains to be seen whether the government will double down on its hardline tactics or embrace a more conciliatory approach to political competition.