UPC urged government to reconsider the welfare of medical interns within the broader context of strengthening Uganda’s health system, arguing that realistic measures are needed to restore stability to the medical profession and reduce the frequency of industrial action.

“During our regional meetings, we shall use this platform to talk to parents, religious leaders, political leaders and cultural leaders to stand up and speak out about Uganda being under siege so that we can all as one stand up and change this country,” Kabuye added.

According to Lulume Bayiga, the Executive Chairperson of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, since November 2020, and continuing throughout the 2026 electoral cycle, the JDP has recorded an ongoing pattern of state-linked abductions where some security agents in plain clothes or military attire, driving unmarked minibuses, have seized opposition supporters, campaign organizers, polling agents, and civic activists from streets and homes.

“We appeal to the people in different villages to elect the opposition candidates who will deliver service accordingly. In the areas where we don't have candidates as PFF, we appeal to you not to vote for anyone who is aligned with our opponents, such as the NRM and PLU, because of what they have caused in this nation,” Lulume said.

The said returnees are travelling aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight fully funded by the Government of Uganda, in what officials described as the first phase of a broader evacuation exercise.

“Recently we were in Kalangala for the by-election and we appealed to Justice Byabakama to ensure that we have a free and fair election but after the elections he only came out to lament after he had seen the chaos and injustice by the military and state goons. Sadly he didn’t have enough stamina to cancel the results, which is absurd and we wouldn’t want to go through the same in these coming Local Council elections,” Buwembo said.

Turning to security, Museveni argued that Africa's future strength will depend on political unity, saying individual countries may not have the capacity to compete globally in areas such as space and maritime security.

“Now, every time the Budget is read, we hear just increments of taxes on most consumable products such as alcohol, and sugar, among others. How would you expect me to listen to something that bothers me more? The President should instead downsize the district security structures where people are fond of playing the same roles,” Kayiira said.