Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | In a recent social media post, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the leader of Uganda’s opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by opposition parties in Uganda. His X (formerly Twitter) post highlights broader issues of “state capture and political suppression.”
This incident, centered around the Ministry of Defence’s decision to deny the National Unity Platform (NUP) use of Kololo Ceremonial Grounds venue for political events, underscores deeper concerns about democratic freedoms and fair electoral practices in the country.
Context of venue denials
Bobi Wine’s post on X outlines the Ministry of Defence’s decision to deny the NUP the use of Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on 22 July, 2024 to celebrate four years since the unveiling of the party, citing “ongoing infrastructural developments.”
But in a July 16 letter signed by Mr Sam Kallu on behalf of the ministry permanent secretary, the government told NUP to use alternative venues.
“Due to the ongoing infrastructural development at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, we regret to inform you that the grounds will not be available for your event,” the letter reads in part.
This decision to deny NUP the use of Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for an event, is juxtaposed against past events held at the same venue, including one commemorating 40 years of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
This contrast raises questions of selective application of regulations and unequal access to public spaces based on political affiliations.
Founded on July 22, 2020, ahead of 2021 general elections, NUP is due its fourth anniversary and has plans for a grand party.
The main Opposition party said it is organizing the fete under the theme, “Four Years of NUP: The Milestones Reached, the Obstacles Encountered and a Glance into the Future.”
The daylong event is scheduled to begin at 9am and conclude at 6pm.
Kololo Ceremonial Ground, once an airstrip, has become off-limits for the Opposition.
The last effort by an Opposition party to host an event there was in May 2011, when the Democratic Party tried to defy police orders and hold a rally.
Previously, in 2007, the government permitted the Opposition to conduct peaceful protest activities at Kololo Airstrip during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.
At that time, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), led by Dr. Kizza Besigye, organized a photo exhibition protest at the venue.
Pattern of political intimidation
The denial of venues to the opposition by the government extends beyond Kampala, as highlighted during NUP’s countrywide tour in Western Uganda.
Reports indicate systematic intimidation of venue owners, resulting in cancellations of bookings in towns like Ntungamo and Isingiro.
This tactic forces political events into rural, less accessible locations, aimed at limiting public attendance and visibility.
Implications for democracy and public discourse
Such actions exemplify broader challenges to democratic principles in Uganda.
The use of state institutions to suppress political dissent undermines the legitimacy of electoral processes and stifles public discourse.
By restricting access to venues and intimidating event organizers, the regime attempts to control the narrative and limit opposition mobilization efforts.
International and domestic reactions
Internationally, these incidents draw criticism from human rights organizations and democratic governments, raising concerns about Uganda’s commitment to political pluralism and freedom of assembly.
Domestically, opposition leaders like Bobi Wine and others continue to rally support against what they describe as ‘systematic harassment and exclusion.’
Upholding democratic values
Bobi Wine’s call to “fight hard collectively” reflects a growing sentiment among Ugandan opposition supporters and civil society groups.
The challenge ahead lies in overcoming institutional barriers to fair political competition and ensuring that all citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear of reprisal.
Also Read: Can Ugandans mobilize Kenya-style anti-government protests?
In summary, the denial of venues to the opposition leaders, and the broader pattern of political intimidation underscore deep-seated challenges in Uganda’s political landscape.
Addressing these issues requires sustained domestic advocacy and international pressure to uphold democratic values and ensure a level playing field for all political actors.
Statistics on previous venue denials to Ugandan opposition
- 2020 General Elections: During the 2020 general elections, multiple opposition rallies were disrupted, and venues were frequently denied on grounds of COVID-19 restrictions, while ruling NRM party events faced fewer limitations.
- 2018 Arua Campaign Incident: In 2018, during the Arua Municipality by-election, Bobi Wine and other opposition leaders were barred from holding rallies at various venues. The security forces frequently cited security concerns as the reason.
- Historical Patterns: Over the past decade, opposition parties in Uganda have reported over 50 instances where their planned events were either denied venues or disrupted by police action, with most incidents involving vague explanations related to security or public order.
Historical comparison with past regimes
- Idi Amin’s Regime (1971-1979): Political suppression and the denial of venues were common, with opposition activities being heavily restricted. Political rallies were often met with violent crackdowns.
- Milton Obote’s Regime (1980-1985): During Obote’s second presidency, opposition parties faced systematic suppression. Venues for political gatherings were often denied under the guise of maintaining public order.
Other African nations facing Similar issues
- Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe: Similar to Uganda, opposition parties in Zimbabwe, particularly the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), frequently encountered venue denials and disruptions of their rallies by the police, citing security threats.
- Ethiopia’s EPRDF Era (1991-2018): The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) government often denied venues to opposition parties, particularly during election periods, under the pretext of maintaining national security.
Quotes from political analysts and experts on Ugandan politics
- Dr. Frederick Golooba-Mutebi, Political Scientist: “The systematic denial of venues to opposition parties in Uganda is a clear indicator of the shrinking political space and increasing authoritarianism under President Museveni’s regime. It reflects a broader strategy to stifle dissent and maintain a tight grip on power.”
- Maria Burnett, Former Human Rights Watch Director for East Africa: “Uganda’s recurring use of public order and security as reasons to deny opposition gatherings is a tactic seen in several authoritarian regimes. It undermines democratic principles and the right to free assembly.”
- Nicholas Sengoba, Political Commentator: “The frequent denial of venues to opposition figures like Bobi Wine highlights the entrenched fear within the ruling establishment of losing control. It also shows the lengths to which the regime will go to suppress any form of political challenge.”
