Kampala, Uganda – Fred Nyanzi Sentamu, the elder brother of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) and chief mobilizer of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has spoken out following his recent arrest, claiming it was linked to his decision to leave the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Nyanzi was arrested last week and spent several days behind bars before being released. While many assumed his detention was connected to a parade organized by NUP, he has now clarified that authorities questioned him mainly about his past ties with the NRM.
“In that parade, we looked more organized, and I don’t think the problem was the parade; it was the previous issue involving me leaving the NRM,” Nyanzi explained in an interview with Sanyuka Television.
A Target for Political Persecution?
Nyanzi, who was once a member of the NRM before joining NUP, believes his political switch has made him a target. He suggested that his arrest was not a coincidence but rather a continuation of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition members.
“I have no regrets about our actions, as they were not against the law. However, I do regret the severe pain I endured after being beaten,” Nyanzi revealed.
His arrest and alleged beating have raised concerns about the treatment of opposition figures and whether the government is using security forces to suppress dissenting voices ahead of the next elections.
Nyanzi’s Commitment to Protecting Bobi Wine’s Votes
Despite the ordeal, Nyanzi reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Bobi Wine’s votes in the upcoming elections. He emphasized that NUP is actively preparing to ensure electoral transparency, dismissing any fears that his arrest might slow him down.
"As a party, we are preparing solely to protect the election," he said.
Nyanzi’s arrest has sparked reactions from political analysts and opposition supporters, with many questioning why political affiliation should lead to an arrest in a democratic society.
