Uganda’s political tensions deepen after a leading human rights organisation warned that the country’s democratic process is being undermined by illegal and deadly military interference, even as opposition leader Bobi Wine condemned fresh brutalities witnessed during his campaign activities in Gulu.

Bobi Wine has also spoken out strongly after yet another violent incident during his campaign trail, even as a human rights organisation sounded the alarm over escalating military involvement in the country’s political process.

In a statement on Sunday, December 7, 2025, Human Rights Defenders Uganda said it was deeply concerned about what it described as a pattern of illegal and deadly military interference in political activities across the country.

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“We are closely monitoring the illegal and deadly military interference targeting Uganda’s democratic process,” the organisation said.

“The overwhelming majority of Ugandans are calling for an end to endemic corruption, unemployment, electoral fraud, repression and human rights abuses. Senior military officials publicly campaigning for the status quo, and using lethal force against peace- and stability-seeking citizens, undermine democracy and regional security,” the statement added.

The remarks follow a weekend of tension in Gulu, where Bobi Wine and his team came under attack during a campaign mobilisation event. Videos and images shared online showed chaotic confrontations involving security operatives and civilians.

Bobi Wine, who has repeatedly accused the Ugandan state of targeting his political activities, thanked residents and his security team for shielding him during what he called a brutal assault.

“I am sincerely grateful to the ordinary residents of Gulu as well as our security team for withstanding this savage brutality in order to protect us,” he wrote.

He added that even police officers assigned to his campaign were beaten during the incident.

“Those criminals even beat up the police officers attached to our campaign,” he stated

The opposition leader also praised journalists who continued filming despite being attacked, saying their courage prevented the situation from worsening.

“I am very grateful to the media who, despite being attacked themselves, kept their cameras on. Perhaps if their cameras were not on, it could have been worse. Uganda will be free,” the statement reads

Human Rights Defenders Uganda has urged authorities to end the violence and safeguard democratic space, while Bobi Wine has vowed to press on with his campaign despite what he calls state-sponsored intimidation.