Kigezi UPC leaders demand end to suppression of political dissent

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Kigezi leadership has warned President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement party to stop the culture of suppressing opposition political parties.

"On so many occasions we have heard and seen President Museveni saying that there will be no opposition come 2026," said Medard Gumisinza, UPC chairperson for Rukiga District

"A case in point was witnessed with Democratic Party which inner conflicts and later we saw the party president Norbert Mao being given a ministerial position.

Later its was the Forum For Democratic Change, which led to the party being separated into two factions and of recent the conflict was seen within the National Unity Platform, which led to the vice party president for Buganda Mathias Mpunga to be dropped."

UPC used to have a strong hold in Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions which is currently no more. Currently, Uganda's oldest political party is still having support in the Lango sub-region.

Mr Gumisinza noted that for the last 38 years NRM has been in power it has made sure that opposition is suppressed to silence them.

He said when the party is in power it tries to surprise other political parties that is inform of bribing supporters and also not benefiting from any government opportunity.

Gumisiriza further adds that NRM has not only crimpled UPC but instead all opposition political parties.

“When NRM came, it knew that UPC had strong support in Kigezi sub-region like giving the supporters jobs and money. When that party is in power it tries to Suppress other political parties in many ways, it tries to persuade them in form of bribing supporters.” Gumisiriza notes.

Obed Habasa, chairperson UPC for Rubanda District, said the issue of NRM suppressing opposition political parties has greatly affected them that is by losing support and failing to convince youth to join some of the opposition political parties.

“The issue of NRM suppressing us the opposition has led to the public not entrusting us with support especially the youth," Habasa said.

"For democracy to take shape, its high time president Museveni and his party left opposition political parties operate on their own and not crippling them down.”

UPC party president Jimmy Akena is expected in Kigezi sub-region on Saturday May for opening up the party regional office and also for consultative meeting.