NATIONAL | TOP STORY
Security Forces Seal Off NUP Offices in Hoima Over Alleged Planned Procession
Hoima, Uganda – 10 October 2025 — Joint security forces comprising the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on Thursday sealed off the National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Hoima City, citing an alleged plan to stage an unauthorized political procession.
The operation, which began at approximately 9:00 a.m., saw roadblocks erected on all major roads leading to the NUP offices located in Lusaka Middle Cell, Hoima East Division. The swift deployment effectively cordoned off the area, halting all activities at the opposition party’s regional base.
NUP Cries Intimidation
According to Habib Buwembo, NUP’s chief mobiliser, party members were taken by surprise when security personnel surrounded the premises and ordered everyone to vacate immediately.
“We had simply convened a brief meeting with our supporters, candidates, and flag bearers to assess regional party progress. Suddenly, security forces stormed in without any prior notice,” Buwembo said.
“This is pure intimidation. It’s a deliberate attempt to frustrate our organizational work and suppress opposition activity.”
Police Justifies Action
Albertine Region police spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the security deployment, saying it was a preventive measure based on intelligence that indicated plans for an unauthorized political procession.
“No political gathering or procession is allowed within the city centre without prior clearance from the police. What happened was a routine security intervention to maintain law and order,” Hakiza explained.
He described the sealing off of the offices as a “normal operation” aimed at ensuring public safety.
Pattern of Disruption?
Thursday’s events mark the second such incident targeting opposition activities in Hoima within a month. In September, police similarly sealed off offices belonging to the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party in Kijungu Cell, also in Hoima East Division. That operation preempted a planned launch of NEED’s Bunyoro regional offices.
In that instance, anti-riot police blocked NEED president Joseph Kabuleta from leading a procession through Hoima City to Kibanjwa trading centre, where he had been scheduled to address supporters.
Rising Tensions Ahead of 2026 Elections
These repeated crackdowns point to escalating tensions between opposition parties and security agencies in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections. Opposition leaders have consistently accused the state of political suppression and harassment — claims the government continues to deny.
Political analysts warn that such disruptions may fuel public discontent and undermine confidence in the democratic process, especially as the country heads into a critical electoral season.
