The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has warned of a rising pattern of confrontation between security forces and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), saying the Uganda Police Force (UPF) will not allow campaigns to degenerate into lawlessness as the country enters the final stretch toward the January 2026 general elections.
Addressing the media on Monday at the police headquarters in Naguru, Byakagaba said the force has so far observed “tension points almost always involving one political party, specifically the NUP,” mainly over violations of campaign routes, illegal processions, and disregard for traffic and public order regulations.
He noted that while political expression is a right, it must be exercised alongside the rights of other Ugandans to go about their daily activities.
“There is need to collocate the right to political expression with the rights of other members within the same ecosystem,” he said. “It is our duty as UPF to ensure that both sides enjoy their rights and whoever breaches the law is handled appropriately.”
Byakagaba outlined a series of occurrences involving the NUP candidate’s campaign trail, which police say demonstrate a steady increase in defiance and violence:
Lira (Oct 28): Police officers were attacked, vehicle tyres punctured, a key chip sensor removed and items stolen.
Abim (Oct 29): A man allegedly linked to the NUP inner ring assaulted a civilian who was later hospitalised.
Kawempe (Nov 24): Stones were hurled at officers in a procession from the party headquarters, injuring personnel and damaging vehicles. Multiple suspects have since been charged.
Kayunga (Nov 27): The NUP candidate allegedly attempted to hold a rally past 6 pm and refused police directives to stop.
Iganga (Nov 28): Stone-throwing erupted shortly after a campaign event, and “unfortunately one civilian fatality occurred,” the IGP said.
He added that earlier investigations in Mbarara had led to a pre-planned operation on November 7, resulting in several arrests.
Byakagaba insisted that security agencies have been tolerant but some political actors have “deliberately refused to comply” with the law.
“We are duty bound to enforce the relevant laws and guidelines to maintain public order, a requisite for peaceful elections. There can never be elections where there is no peace,” he cautioned.
He condemned defiance, hate speech, incitement, unauthorized processions, campaigns beyond stipulated hours and the “misuse of AI by some actors.”
“Acts of electoral violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated and shall be dealt with decisively,” he added. “Socio-economic transformation and peace prevailing in the country must be maintained.”
The IGP also warned political parties against forming security outfits to guard their candidates, saying this is a mandate of the state.
He urged citizens, candidates, civil society and the media to conduct themselves responsibly as the election period intensifies.
“The Uganda Police Force, working with sister security agencies, remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights to campaign, vote and participate, but will enforce law and order firmly before, during and after the elections,” Byakagaba affirmed.
