KAMPALA, Uganda — Military police on Monday mounted several checkpoints on major roads in and around Kampala, triggering speculation on social media that the operation could be linked to a search for opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Witnesses reported heavy security presence along Gayaza Road at Kitetikka, commonly known as “Kumbuzi,” where military police stopped and searched vehicles entering and leaving the capital. Similar operations were also reported in Kinawataka and other outskirts of Kampala.
Photos shared by Daily Monitor showed armed personnel inspecting vehicles amid traffic congestion at the checkpoints.
The purpose of the operation had not been officially confirmed by authorities by press time.
However, Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), suggested that the security deployment was aimed at finding him.
“They’re staging these roadblocks inconveniencing citizens everywhere in search for a man who’s hiding in plain sight,” Kyagulanyi posted on X. “One would think the Museveni regime learnt from its experience in the bush not to bother searching for anyone the citizens decided to hide, but clearly it didn’t.”
Kyagulanyi has remained largely out of public view since the January 15 presidential election, which his supporters and other opposition groups claim was rigged — allegations the government has repeatedly denied.
Security officials, however, have dismissed claims that the checkpoints are targeting the opposition leader, saying the deployments are part of routine joint operations.
According to authorities, the operations are intended to enforce traffic discipline and identify unauthorized vehicles and other security concerns.
The checkpoints have nonetheless sparked debate online, with some citizens interpreting them as part of a broader manhunt while others view them as normal security enforcement in the city.
The security activity comes amid lingering political tensions in Uganda following the contested election and ongoing political activity by opposition groups.
Authorities had not issued a detailed statement explaining the specific objective or duration of the operations as of Monday evening.
