Africa-Press – Uganda. The Opposition in Ntungamo is accusing security agencies of shrinking political space ahead of the 2026 elections, with party leaders reporting arrests, intimidation, and restrictions on media access.
This week, when the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) opened its office in Ntungamo, police stormed the premises within minutes.
Individuals in uniform or wearing PFF shirts were arrested shortly after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We are not ready to close because we are a registered political party. I can’t say that we shall close after one year or two. We want the office to exist forever. We are ready to facilitate that office and it remains open,” said Nazarious Ahimbisibwe, PFF chairperson in Ntungamo District.
On the arrests, Ahimbisibwe added: “What happened annoyed us because what the police did was wrong since we are a registered political party and this is a political season. We are allowed to conduct any political activity. We condemn what police did on that day.”
NUP’s Ntungamo District chairperson and municipality MP aspirant, Rubahamya Magambo, said state interference has made it almost impossible for the party to maintain an office.
“As NUP here in Ntungamo we have a challenge of state actors disrupting us from reaching our people. It’s hard to have an office,” Magambo said.
“People are intimidated and landlords fear to rent their spaces because of security threats. Nevertheless, we are taking bigger strides, not limiting ourselves to an office. All we are bothered about is how our information reaches our people. A physical office is however needed and we are working on it,” he added.
UPC’s Ruhama County MP aspirant, Alex Kamara, also described the political environment as hostile.
“When you go to radio stations, they order some individuals not to allow UPC or any other opposition members to go on air. They try to stop you,” Kamara said, adding that despite such restrictions, the party remains focused on its agenda.
Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) district coordinator, George Karamira, said intimidation and bribery attempts are common.
“The political environment is very delicate, with a lot of money and intimidation involved. Every candidate comes prepared, but many are enticed to abandon their parties with promises of jobs or cash. We still guide them on the right path and some eventually return,” Karamira said.
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