Members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Western Uganda have reiterated that supporting the party is not a crime, amid a surge in alleged abductions, torture, and arrests of their supporters.
They claim that these incidents, previously concentrated in the central region, have now spread to other parts of the country.
“Abductions have been there in the West, only that they have recently increased. I was also abducted in 2021, just four days before the elections,” said Jolly Jacklin Tukamushaba, NUP’s Vice President for the Western region.
Bright Muhumuza, Coordinator for NUP activities in the Ankole subregion, recounted his experience in Mbuya, where he says he was interrogated.
“While in Mbuya, the only question I was asked was, ‘Why are you promoting NUP in Ankole?’” Muhumuza stated. “They are harassing everyone, not just the Baganda,” he added, emphasizing the widespread nature of the intimidation.
Victims from Rukiga, Bushenyi, Mbarara, and Hoima have also shared their experiences.
Muhumuza, who was abducted this week, described his ordeal: “I wanted to resist my arrest, but they overpowered me and placed me in their drone. When I arrived in Mbuya, I was taken to a go-down prison. I was harassed there, and in Mbuya, there were attempts of homosexuality, but they were unsuccessful.”
Passy Mbabazi from Bushenyi described the brutal treatment she endured.
“They told me they would imprison me. They didn’t want Bobi Wine in Bushenyi. They didn’t want NUP in Bushenyi, noting that when they arrest me, others will stay silent. Once in prison, I was forced to sleep next to a toilet and developed an infection. They later injected me three times on the arm and the buttocks,” Mbabazi shared. “After the injection, pus was coming out of my hand. This has affected me to date,” she added.
Vianne Bashabe from Hoima also described the abuse she suffered. “The way they beat me—one beating felt like fifteen. The pain was unbearable because my legs were tied. They held my head and legs and mercilessly beat me.”
Despite the intimidation, NUP supporters remain resilient. “I won’t stop fighting just because they told me they would kill me, just like they did to Ssegirinya,” stated Passy Mbabazi.
The NUP leadership in Western Uganda remains steadfast in their resolve. “Even amidst this, we are gaining strength, and we are stronger and ready to continue,” Tukamushaba affirmed.