Opposition politicians have renewed criticism of the National Resistance Movement over what they describe as sustained political pressure during its 40 years in power, warning that without internal reorganization, unity and strategic clarity, the prospects for a transition in Uganda remain slim.
Several opposition leaders say the political environment under the NRM has remained restrictive, limiting their ability to mobilize supporters, organize freely and compete on what they consider equal footing.
While some opposition figures have urged citizens to play a more active role in defending democratic space, political analysts remain skeptical about the opposition's chances as long as the ruling party maintains firm control over state institutions.
Over the past four decades, a number of political actors have attempted to challenge the NRM's grip on power, efforts that opposition figures say have frequently ended in arrests, imprisonment or political marginalization.
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They point to the case of Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and other activists currently in detention as evidence of what they describe as a hostile political climate.
Opposition leaders have also cited the situation of National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, whom they say has been forced into hiding following the 2026 presidential elections.
According to opposition figures, such developments illustrate what they describe as an uneven political playing field in Uganda.
"The opposition has operated under constant pressure. The political field has never been level," said Erias Lulwago, Pesident of the People's Front for Freedom.
Saddam Gayira, leader of the People's Progressive Party, accused the ruling party of deliberately weakening opposition movements.
"The ruling party uses state machinery to block opposition growth, making it extremely difficult for alternative voices to thrive," Gayira said.
However, not all opposition voices place the blame solely on the NRM. Some leaders acknowledge that internal divisions, fragmentation and strategic missteps have also played a significant role in undermining the opposition's effectiveness.
Samuel Lubega Mukaaku of the Democratic Front said disunity continues to erode collective strength.
"We cannot ignore our own weaknesses. Fragmentation and lack of coordination have cost the opposition greatly," Mukaaku said.
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The debate over unity, strategy and resilience has since taken center stage within opposition circles, with leaders questioning what must change for the movement to remain relevant and politically viable.
Political analyst Dr. John Paul Kasujja said the opposition deserves recognition for remaining active despite what he described as sustained repression.
"The opposition has shown resilience by staying present in the political space despite enormous pressure from the ruling party," Kasujja said.
However, he cautioned that significant progress remains unlikely under the current political arrangement.
"As long as the NRM remains in power, opposition activities will continue to face restrictions. This limits their reach and influence, making a political breakthrough highly unlikely," he added.
As opposition parties grapple with defections, alleged infiltration and shrinking political space, questions continue to mount over their long-term survival.
Whether Uganda's opposition can endure beyond the NRM era, or whether the ruling party's prolonged dominance will ultimately eclipse it, remains an open and pressing question.
