Political analyst Frank Gashumba has called for urgent national dialogue following a wave of forceful arrests of civilians by security operatives, warning that fear and uncertainty are increasingly taking hold across Uganda.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television on Sunday, Gashumba addressed recent high-profile arrests, including those of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and former minister Miria Matembe.
The incidents, reportedly involving military personnel, have intensified public debate over the growing role of security forces in civilian affairs.
Gashumba said the current situation reflects a deeper national crisis that requires collective reflection and immediate intervention.
He noted that many Ugandans are now living in fear, unsure of what may happen next amid what he described as unpredictable enforcement actions.
“I think power still belongs to the people of Uganda,” he stated, urging stakeholders to convene a roundtable discussion to examine the root causes of the current tensions.
According to him, such a platform would allow leaders and citizens to identify what has gone wrong and agree on corrective measures.
While acknowledging that President Yoweri Museveni remains firmly in control of the country’s leadership, Gashumba raised concern over the methods being used by state agencies.
He questioned the increasing involvement of the military in handling civilian matters, arguing that it undermines established legal processes.
“Why would the military raid civilians? I don’t support that idea,” he said, emphasizing the need for lawful and measured approaches in maintaining order.
He added that disputes and arrests should be handled through institutions designed to uphold justice, rather than through force.
The remarks come amid mounting scrutiny from sections of the public and civil society over human rights and governance.
Critics argue that the use of military force in civilian contexts risks eroding constitutional protections, while authorities have previously defended such operations as necessary for national security.
Gashumba’s intervention adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for restraint, accountability, and institutional reform.
As pressure builds, attention is now shifting to whether the government will respond with broader consultations or maintain its current security approach.