Police in Kampala have arrested 16 people suspected of plotting to disrupt President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination for the 2026 general elections, the Uganda Police Force has confirmed.
The arrests were made on Saturday, July 5, 2025, as President Museveni submitted his nomination papers for the roles of NRM Party Chairman and Presidential Flag bearer at the party’s Electoral Commission offices located on Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, Nakasero II Parish.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango said the suspects were intercepted during a citywide security operation that was part of a broader plan to safeguard the nomination event.
“On July 5, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni submitted his nomination forms for NRM Chairman and Presidential Flag bearer to the NRM party electoral commission at Kyadondo Plot 13, Nakasero II parish, Kampala,” Onyango said.
Authorities say the 16 suspects were found congregating suspiciously in different parts of the city and were allegedly in possession of opium.
Intelligence reports indicated they had intentions to instigate chaos during the day’s proceedings.
“During the event, 16 suspects were arrested for allegedly planning to disrupt the city and were found smoking opium,” Onyango confirmed. “They are currently detained at CPS Kampala, and their files are being prepared.”
To pre-empt any threats, the police had earlier carried out threat assessments and launched a multi-agency security operation across the capital.
The strategy involved heavy foot and motorized patrols, plainclothes officers stationed at key areas, and a standby quick response team ready to intervene.
Though the day’s events proceeded without major disruptions, the arrests triggered renewed calls for vigilance. Police say their intelligence teams are still monitoring potential threats in the aftermath of the operation.
“The event concluded without major incident, but intelligence monitoring continues,” Onyango noted.
