The Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) led by Muwanga Kivumbi, who was standing in for the Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga refused to take part in the Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Parliamentary plenary sitting, protesting against continued arrest, kidnap and detention of leaders and supporters.

According to Kivumbi, the heavy security deployment at National Unity Platform (NUP) Party President’s residence and the gross conduct of security forces goes against the very notion of independence that was celebrated on Monday, October 9, 2023.

“We are expected to come here and debate with modesty and may be debating the horrible things police forces are doing. NUP President, Robert Kyagulanyi, you are aware was kidnapped from the airport and driven to his home. We have always chosen the path of constitutionalism and the rule of law,” Kivumbi said.

He noted that, when Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa had challenges with the Police Act Section 32(e) and remembers that by that time, he was in close resistance, they also felt discomfort and went to the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional court overturned those provisions of giving powers of police to prohibit.

However, Tayebwa castigated the opposition for ambushing him with a walk out protest saying that, such a matter should have been discussed between the Leader of Opposition and his office.

He added that, despite being a presiding officer, he has no powers to stop any Member of Parliament from walking out.

“This is a level you reached, after interacting with the presiding officer, you don’t just ambush the presiding officer that way on the floor. When we are in this house, no one asks me for permission, no one has given me warning that they are walking out. So, whoever is to sit and handle business should continue, those who are uncomfortable can move out,” Tayebwa said.

This follows the incident that happened on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the NUP party headquarters, where they had organized special prayers for the supporters in detention, but were stopped by police and some arrests were made. Joel Ssenyoyi was among the arrested members, but was later released on bail.

On October 5, 2023, Robert Kyagulanyi, the NUP President was picked by security on arrival at Entebbe International Airport to his home in Magere, which home was also under Police deployment.