Politics 1 July 2026 Nile Post
Opposition Flags 'Climate of Fear', Demands Dialogue with NRM
Several opposition parties have voiced strong concerns over a perceived "climate of fear" and political intimidation in Uganda, urging for an immediate dialogue with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to address mounting tensions. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/353128/opposition-demands-dialogue-with-nrm-condemns-climate-of-fear
Opposition political parties in Uganda have collectively raised alarms over an escalating atmosphere of intimidation and political tension. Leaders from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) gathered to condemn what they describe as a deliberate stifling of dissent and a subversion of constitutional governance.
At a joint press conference held at the UPC headquarters in Kampala, party representatives emphasized the need for urgent dialogue to navigate the nation’s current political impasse. UPC President Jimmy Akena highlighted the growing wave of intimidation affecting political actors, stating, “We are witnessing a rising wave of intimidation and a climate of fear that is stifling dissent.”
The opposition insists they will not be deterred by threats and are seeking direct engagement with the NRM leadership to de-escalate the prevailing political climate. FDC National Chairperson Salamu Musumba stressed the necessity of this dialogue, remarking, “We are calling for urgent dialogue with the NRM leadership to resolve the current impasse and reduce the growing political tension in the country.”
Furthermore, the opposition criticized the perceived silence of institutions tasked with upholding the constitution, suggesting their inaction emboldens actions detrimental to democratic principles. Specific criticism was directed at Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose public statements were accused of intimidating parliamentary, judicial, and media functions. Dr. Lulume Bayigga of the PFF also called for clarity from the NRM regarding lines of authority in the country, linking this uncertainty to the rising tensions.
In a related call, the opposition urged the Speaker of Parliament to publicly disassociate the House from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), asserting that Parliament must safeguard its institutional independence from such groups. The NRM had not issued a public response to these demands at the time of reporting.
Source: Nile Post