By The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has condemned what he described as the continued and blatant violation of electoral laws by members of Uganda’s security forces, accusing them of engaging in partisan activities that favour the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the ongoing presidential campaigns.
Ssenyonyi raised the matter on the floor of Parliament, citing incidents in which police and army officers were filmed or photographed tearing posters of opposition presidential candidates and openly campaigning for NRM contenders.
Latest
Uganda Embassy Clarifies: Abbey Mwesigwa Is Not Ugandan
NUP Picks Florence Asio To Face Anita Among for Bukedea Woman MP Seat After Rival Disqualifications
Kenyan Businesswoman Charged in $255,000 Gold Scam
FDC’s Fungaroo Says NRM Still Counting Gaps, Not Gains, in Northern Uganda
Ruto Hails Raila Odinga as a Pillar of Kenya’s Democracy
Embrace “Power of Persuasion,” Not Money — Rev. Kodia Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga
Lugazi Municipality Officials Charged Over Selling of Government Jobs
Uganda Renews Call For Global Justice and Reform
“It’s not enough to promise that action will be taken we are waiting to see that action,” Ssenyonyi said. “We have seen errant police and security officers tearing posters of nominated candidates. That is outside of the law.”
He also cited specific cases, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Annabella Nyiramahoro, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for Masaka, who allegedly campaigned for NRM candidate Haruna Kasolo, and Lt. Gen. Charles Okedi, commander of the UPDF Air Force, who is accused of de-campaigning NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) while promoting the NRM flag bearer.
In addition, the LOP condemned the mobilization of schoolchildren to attend President Museveni’s rallies, referring to a letter written by the Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, H.N. James Andrew, directing headteachers to send pupils to Paridi Stadium for the President’s visit.
“Getting students from school to attend political rallies is illegal and immoral,” Ssenyonyi said. “We can’t be involving learners in partisan politics as if they are campaign tools.”
Following public backlash, the CAO later issued a second letter retracting the earlier directive, citing ongoing school examinations as the reason.
In response, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao urged Ssenyonyi to present tangible evidence before any disciplinary action can be taken.
“The Leader of Opposition is a lawyer. Lawyers believe in evidence,” Mao said. “Bring serious evidence, and serious action will be taken against those officers. I’m not here to defend anyone, but to ensure that laws are respected.”
Mao, however, accused Ssenyonyi of turning Parliament into a campaign platform, saying the debate should focus on ensuring institutional accountability rather than political rhetoric.
Despite the exchange, Mao promised that the government, with support from the Office of the Prime Minister, will take steps to curb partisan conduct among security personnel and civil servants.
“This is an undertaking on my behalf to ensure that these partisan postures stop and are addressed so that peace continues,” Mao said.
The clash highlights growing tension between the opposition and state institutions ahead of the 2026 general election, with opposition parties accusing the security forces of bias and intimidation, while government insists that all institutions remain neutral and committed to maintaining law and order during the campaign period.
