Tension flared this afternoon at Lweza Junction, the main access point to the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters, after police arrested Makindye West Member of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana together with several boda boda riders.
The arrests occurred as the country awaits the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
The exact reason for Ssewanyana’s arrest has not been officially communicated by the Uganda Police Force.
However, eyewitnesses reported that his convoy was intercepted near the heavily guarded junction, where security forces have mounted roadblocks and restricted movement in anticipation of today’s high-profile nominations.
Earlier in the day, police blocked Ssewanyana and his supporters from holding a procession in Makindye as they made their way toward Nateete, where NUP had planned a post-nomination rally for Bobi Wine.
The standoff ended with dispersal of the group, forcing Ssewanyana and a section of his supporters to attempt joining the processions leading to the EC headquarters.
His eventual arrest near Lweza has further heightened concerns among opposition leaders about escalating restrictions on NUP activities.
Leader of Opposition and NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi strongly condemned the police action, accusing security agencies of targeting NUP leaders and creating unnecessary tension.
“We are calling on the Uganda Police and UPDF to act with fairness, just as they did yesterday during President Museveni’s nomination,” Ssenyonyi said.
“It is unacceptable that while one candidate is allowed a smooth and incident-free nomination, opposition candidates and their supporters are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arrests.”
He added that NUP remains committed to a peaceful nomination process and called on security agencies to allow Ugandans to freely exercise their democratic rights.
Lweza Junction has become a flashpoint over the past two days, with heavy police and military deployment aimed at controlling access to the EC grounds.
Security officials maintain that the measures are intended to prevent congestion and possible clashes between rival political groups.
The arrest underscores the growing tension surrounding Uganda’s 2026 General Election, where opposition figures continue to accuse state security organs of interfering with their political activities.
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