The Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi has strongly condemned the recent police and military raids on its offices, describing them as illegal, politically motivated, and aimed at suppressing opposition activities ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Ssenyonyi made this remarks on February 25, 2025 during the parliamentary session, where he said that Security forces blocked roads around the premises, restricted access, and detained several party officials.
“They confiscated items such as computers, books, party merchandise, and documents, NUP leaders also allege that cash totaling to 44 million shillings was also stolen during the operation, ” Ssenyonyi stated.
Ssenyonyi further reported extensive damage to their offices, including broken doors, shattered windows, and vandalized CCTV systems, accusing security forces of planting evidence to justify the raid.
The raids, which occurred on February 21–22, 2025, targeted NUP’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule and its Leadership School in Kamwokya.
The Uganda Police Force and other security agencies claimed the operation was conducted to investigate reports of “unauthorized military drills” allegedly taking place at NUP premises. They cited concerns about national security as the basis for the raids.
Ssenyonyi announced plans to sue the Uganda Police Force, the army (UPDF), and the Attorney General for illegal entry, vandalism, theft, and intimidation.
The Party lawyers argued that the raids lacked a valid court-issued search warrant, making them unlawful under Ugandan law.
The incident follows reports of abductions and detentions of NUP members in recent weeks, further escalating tensions between the government and the opposition party.
Security agencies maintained that their actions were lawful and aimed at addressing security threats posed by alleged illegal activities at NUP premises. They have yet to respond to allegations of theft or provide detailed findings from their investigations.
Ssenyonyi also further tabled a list of 10 individuals whose files have not been transferred from the Court Martial and demanded clarification on when these files will be transferred.
