Emmanuel Maruda, a mobiliser and manager of The Nilerz Band, is reportedly on the run following the arrest of several of his colleagues, including Eddy Mutwe and Waisswa.
The arrests occurred at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kavule, Kampala, during an operation by security agencies.
Authorities allege that Maruda has been actively mobilising opposition to a proposed amendment, extending his campaigns beyond political circles into public spaces.
In a statement while in hiding, Maruda called on Ugandans to reject fear and resist what he described as government oppression. He urged citizens to continue demanding democracy and to defend their constitutional rights, insisting that arrests and intimidation would not deter their cause.
Kampala Metropolitan Police said the arrests were carried out to prevent potential disorder, arguing that the planned protest posed a risk to public safety.
However, human rights activists have criticised the move, maintaining that those arrested were exercising their constitutional freedoms. They argue that the detentions undermine democratic expression and the right to peaceful assembly.