By Peter Luzinda.
Lira.
Tensions flared in Lira on Monday night following claims by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, that security forces had raided his hotel residence. The incident occurred amid his ongoing countrywide mobilization tours as leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Bobi Wine alleged that regime-aligned police had broken into the hotel where he was staying, and that the hotel receptionist had been arrested. He claimed security personnel were knocking on every room in search of him and his team.
“This is happening right now in Lira. Police have broken into the hotel we are residing in. The receptionist has been arrested. They’re going room by room,” Bobi Wine wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
There was no immediate comment from the Uganda Police Force or local security officials in Lira regarding the claims. However, previous NUP mobilization events have frequently drawn heavy police presence and occasional clashes with security forces.
Bobi Wine has been leading NUP tours across the country to engage supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections. His mobilization drives have often been met with accusations from the state of flouting public order laws or inciting unrest — claims the opposition has routinely denied.
The alleged incident in Lira has sparked concern among opposition supporters, who say it reflects an ongoing pattern of intimidation and harassment of opposition figures. Human rights organizations have previously called for restraint and respect for political freedoms.
As of Tuesday morning, it remained unclear whether any arrests beyond the receptionist had taken place or if Bobi Wine and his team were still at the hotel. More details are expected as the situation develops.
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