By Watera Atai,
NATIONAL
From restricted political freedoms to violent crackdowns, UPC leaders say Uganda is drifting away from the democratic principles that the country was founded on.
Pointing out the recent violent disruptions during the Kawempe North by-election nomination exercise and security raids on the offices of National Unity Platform (NUP), a registered political party in Uganda, Faizo Muzeyi, the Head of Media and Communication at UPC has raised concerns over increasing human rights violations in Uganda’s political landscape. He described these acts as blatant violations of fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly, speech, and political participation.
“The ugly scenes that we are witnessing in our political landscape which do not reflect on the core values of our independence that we struggled to get on 9th October 1962,” said Faizo Muzeyi.
According to Muzeeyi, such violations could compromise the credibility of the 2025/2026 general elections. The party is calling on the government and security agencies to respect constitutional rights and ensure a free and fair political environment.
UPC was established in 1960 with a vision of democracy, unity, and self-governance and will on March 9 celebrate its 65th anniversary. However, the party leadership says Uganda is witnessing a dangerous decline in political freedoms, contradicting the very principles for which they fought for independence.
It should be recalled that UPC President Jimmy Akena recently criticized Museveni’s government for the shrinking democratic space in Uganda and called for urgent reforms.
“Our founding fathers fought for independence and democracy. Yet today, political parties face intimidation, arrests, and suppression. This is a clear violation of human rights, and Ugandans must stand up against it,” Akena condemned
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have echoed UPC’s concerns, urging authorities to stop using excessive force against opposition parties and activists. Analysts say that without political tolerance and respect for human rights, Uganda risks sliding further into authoritarianism.
As UPC marks 65 years since its formation, many are left wondering whether the country will return to its democratic foundations, or will political repression continue to define its future?
