Opposition MPs Boycott State of the Nation Address Citing Health, Rights and Security Concerns

Opposition Members of Parliament have announced a boycott of the upcoming State of the Nation Address scheduled for this afternoon, as tensions rise over political, security, and human rights issues in Uganda.

The boycott was confirmed by Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru, who said the decision reflects growing concern over the country’s political climate and public safety risks, including fears linked to a possible Ebola outbreak.

Mwiru said the opposition was particularly worried after reports from the Ministry of Health indicating heightened surveillance following suspected Ebola cases linked to neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“We have had the Ministry of Health raising a red flag of Ebola outbreak and we are very conscious about the health situation in the country,” Mwiru said. “Even government was clear on attendance at the Uganda Martyrs celebrations in Uganda Martyrs Day yesterday, and over 500 people will be in attendance including those from Bundibugyo, the epicentre of Ebola.”

He added that concerns over overcrowding and mass gatherings also influenced the decision to stay away from the parliamentary address.

Beyond health concerns, Mwiru pointed to what he described as continued detention of opposition supporters and unresolved human rights violations. He said several supporters remain detained at Luzira Prison without timely bail hearings.

“Our supporters, as I speak today, are still in Luzira prison, and efforts for their court bail have not yielded anything to date,” he said.

The opposition also raised concerns about alleged electoral irregularities following the 2026 general elections, arguing that transparency in polling station results remains insufficient. Mwiru said this issue continues to undermine trust in the electoral process and governance.

He further argued that security considerations played a major role in the boycott decision, noting fears about large crowds attending the address, especially given invitations extended to delegations from high-risk districts such as Bundibugyo.

“I do not want to go into the crowd, and many people have been invited from Bundibugyo,” Mwiru added.

The boycott comes ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s address, which is expected to outline government priorities for the coming year amid ongoing debates over governance, public health preparedness, and political freedoms.

Government officials have not yet issued a formal response to the opposition’s boycott announcement.