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

Opposition MPs have boycotted the State of the Nation Address, citing concerns over a possible Ebola outbreak, detention of their supporters, alleged human rights violations, electoral irregularities, and security risks linked to large gatherings.

As the country prepares for the State of the Nation Address by President Museveni this afternoon, opposition Members of Parliament have announced a boycott, pointing to unresolved political, security, and human rights issues.

Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru, while speaking to the media in his office, said the address is taking place at a time when Uganda is facing heightened health concerns following reports of a possible Ebola outbreak linked to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

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

He also pointed to the continued detention of opposition supporters and alleged human rights violations as major reasons for the boycott, saying efforts to secure bail for their supporters in Luzira Prison have so far been unsuccessful.

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

Mwiru further noted that opposition MPs are demanding accountability over alleged electoral irregularities in the 2026 general elections, insisting that polling station results remain a key concern for their party.

He added that the decision to stay away from the State of the Nation Address was also influenced by security concerns and fears of overcrowding, saying they did not want to participate in a large gathering where many attendees have been invited from Bundibugyo.