Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, General Kahinda Otafiire, has publicly criticised his party, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), for what he described as continued interference in the affairs of opposition parties.
The seasoned politician accused elements within the NRM of meddling in opposition activities, warning that such behaviour has only fuelled tensions and undermined democratic stability.
Otafiire made the remarks while speaking at a high-level dialogue meeting with Civil Society Organisations and the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“We must stop interfering in the internal politics of other parties. This interference is partly to blame for the electoral violence we witness,” Otafiire stated, drawing nods of agreement — and perhaps a few raised eyebrows — from attendees.
His comments come at a time when Uganda is slowly preparing for another pivotal election cycle, one already fraught with concerns about transparency, fairness, and political repression.
The general did not stop at his party. He also aimed at civil society and activist groups, accusing some of overstepping their legal bounds and contributing to the chaos they claim to combat.
“Let everyone operate within their legal mandate — civil society, the Electoral Commission, political parties, and security organs alike. If we each respect our limits, the 2026 elections can be peaceful and credible,” he said.
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