By The Uganda Police Force has warned presidential candidates and their supporters against acts of provocation and violence during campaign activities, citing a series of incidents involving supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidates.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said security agencies have observed “continued and deliberate provocation of security personnel” in several districts over the past week.
Latest
Pardons Are Constitutional, Not Political — Prisons Service Clarifies
Atwiine Chains Himself to UNEB Gate After EC Disqualifies Him From MP Race
EC Condemns Chaos in Gulu, Wants Police to Act on Culprits
Nandala Mafabi Pledges Coffee, Cotton Revival to Lift Teso Out of Poverty
US hits out at EU for fining Elon Musk’s X
He reported that on December 2, supporters of FDC presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi allegedly obstructed and assaulted three officers as police attempted to regulate traffic involving the candidate’s convoy in Wakiso District. In a separate incident in Mbarara, a motorcycle rider reportedly rammed into a traffic officer who was clearing the road.
Kituuma also cited events of December 5 in Nwoya District, where the District Security Committee and the NUP campaign team had earlier agreed on Patra as the official venue for candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s rally. However, the NUP candidate instead opted for Anaka Trading Centre, prompting a disagreement. Later in Amuru District, he attempted to head toward the Elegu border point but was intercepted by security at Parabong Corner in Atiak Subcounty.
“We urge all candidates and their supporters to desist from any acts of violence and from violating electoral guidelines. Such conduct endangers life, property, and public peace,” Kituuma said. He also reminded officers to exercise restraint and operate within the law, adding that any misconduct by security personnel would be investigated.
Police also reported a violent scene in Gulu City on December 6 during Kyagulanyi’s campaign activities. According to Kituuma, the NUP candidate arrived at Awach Grounds the designated venue around 3 p.m., but later diverted to Paicho, where he addressed a gathering.
A standoff ensued when Kyagulanyi’s team took a route that had not been agreed upon with security. Videos circulating online showed officers caning civilians during the confrontation. Kituuma described the actions as “regrettable, undesirable and unfortunate.”
Following the confrontation, Kyagulanyi proceeded on foot along the Gulu–Kampala Highway into the Central Business District and was escorted by police and UPDF personnel to Awere Grounds, where the rally eventually took place.
Kituuma emphasized that despite the isolated incidents, the majority of presidential candidates have adhered to Electoral Commission guidelines, and campaign activities across the country remain largely peaceful.
“When communication and cooperation break down, we risk losing the peace and mutual respect that all of us deserve,” he said. “We appeal to all stakeholders to uphold dialogue, restraint, and peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more… https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TpGqLtOjKB7S8OI3d
