Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has criticized the recent police directive banning campaign processions, saying the decision is impractical and risks escalating tensions during the election season.
The Katikkiro argued that political rallies are naturally energetic events and cannot be compared to religious gatherings.
He dismissed the expectation that supporters should quietly move to campaign venues.
“It’s unrealistic to ban processions of supporters. Political rallies are not prayer meetings to which worshippers go calmly. Political rallies are about excitement,” Mayiga stated.
He pointed out that Uganda’s transport system, especially the widespread use of boda bodas, makes silent or contained movement of supporters impossible.
“And with Uganda’s public transport (bodaboda) it’s unrealistic to expect supporters to move to campaign venues quietly,” he added.
Katikkiro emphasized that while supporters must not endanger others, the police should not suppress political enthusiasm.
“Ensure supporters don’t harm others, but let them be,” he urged.
He also urged security agencies to respect citizens’ democratic freedoms and avoid the use of force while maintaining public order.
“Once again, I urge police and security agencies to keep law and order in a non-violent and non-partisan manner during this campaign period,” he said.
Katikkiro also condemned the use of excessive force by security agencies, warning that violent crowd-control methods injure the country’s image.
“Bullets; tear gas; dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed!” he said.
