Leader of the opposition in Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi has issued a chilling warning, claiming intelligence points to an alleged plan to stage violent incidents and pin them on the opposition
Speaking via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ssenyonyi cautioned Ugandans to remain alert, alleging that the state could orchestrate attacks disguised as opposition actions to justify further crackdowns.
“We have learnt that the state is planning to carry out some disastrous activities, all of which will then be blamed on NUP,” Ssenyonyi wrote.
The NUP spokesperson referenced past incidents he described as staged or manipulated, including alleged “fake bomb” scares and machete attacks, which he says were later blamed on opposition actors.
He pointed to the violent episodes surrounding 2021, including killings that claimed lives such as that of Kawempe North MP late Muhammad Ssegirinya, as part of a worrying trend.
“Previously we’ve seen the ‘fake bombs’ and machete killings. It is sad how people get killed in such mess simply because someone is trying to make a ridiculous point,” he added.
Ssenyonyi’s warning comes in the aftermath of the January 2026 general elections, which were marked by violent clashes that left at least seven protesters dead, widespread arrests, and an internet shutdown that paralysed communication nationwide.
During and after the polls, government officials accused NUP of plotting panga (machete) attacks, claims the party strongly denied, calling them propaganda aimed at discrediting the opposition.
Tensions have remained elevated, especially around politically sensitive moments such as Liberation Day on January 26, raising fears of further unrest.
International watchdogs, including Human Rights Watch and UN-affiliated bodies, have repeatedly documented a pattern of pre- and post-election repression in Uganda. Their reports cite arbitrary arrests, detention of opposition figures, suspension of civic organisations and excessive use of force by security agencies.
Rights advocates warn that without credible investigations and independent monitoring, the risk of renewed instability remains high.
As the country navigates the tense post-election period, Ssenyonyi’s remarks have reignited debate over political violence, accountability and the shrinking space for opposition activity in Uganda.
