The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has raised concern over what he described as a pattern of persistent violations of electoral guidelines, warning that security agencies will act firmly against any form of electoral violence as Uganda heads into the January 2026 elections.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Byakagaba said while most political actors have largely complied with campaign regulations, tensions remain high between security forces and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), whom he accused of repeatedly breaching agreed routes, defying traffic rules and engaging in acts that endanger public safety.
“In our experience this far, the tension points between the security forces and unfortunately almost always one of the political parties, specifically the NUP, is always about infringement of guidelines set regarding departures from designated venues and routes for rallies and traffic rules,” he said.
The IGP noted that security must balance the right to political expression with the rights of other citizens to go about their daily activities without disruption.
“It is our duty as UPF to ensure that both sides enjoy their rights and freedoms and whoever breaches the law is handled appropriately,” he said, adding that election season does not suspend normal life.
IGP Abas Byakagaba has cited a series of incidents involving the NUP presidential candidate’s campaign activities, saying they point to “a worrying trend of defiance and violence” that threatens the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
He noted that on October 28 in Lira, supporters of the NUP candidate attacked police officers, punctured the tires of a police vehicle, removed its key chip sensor and stole various items. The following day, October 29 in Abim, an individual linked to the NUP campaign assaulted Edibu Emmanuel, who was subsequently hospitalized.
Byakagaba added that violence escalated further on November 24 in Kawempe, where security personnel were pelted with stones at the NUP headquarters in Kavule and along campaign routes, leaving several officers injured and vehicles damaged. “Multiple arrests were made, and suspects have since been charged to court,” he said.
He also pointed to events in Kayunga on November 27, where the NUP presidential candidate allegedly attempted to campaign beyond the stipulated 6 pm cut-off time and refused to comply with police directives, prompting security personnel to disperse the crowds.
The IGP further highlighted the November 28 incident in Iganga, where stones were again thrown at officers after the candidate concluded his campaign. “Stones were thrown at officers… during which unfortunately one civilian fatality occurred,” he said.
Byakagaba said these incidents underscore a pattern of noncompliance and hostility that the police will continue to address firmly in order to maintain peace during the electoral period.
He added that investigations in Mbarara earlier led to the arrest of suspects involved in criminal acts linked to campaign activities.
Byakagaba condemned all acts of violence, warning that security forces will not hesitate to take decisive action.
“We strongly condemn all forms of electoral violence and lawlessness. I assure you that this will not be tolerated and shall be dealt with very decisively,” he said.
He listed defiance campaigns, destruction of property, hate speech, going armed with stones, and misuse of artificial intelligence as emerging concerns that security agencies are monitoring closely.
“The laws of the country are not in abeyance and must be adhered to as we carry out political activities,” he stressed.
The IGP urged political parties to refrain from forming private security teams, saying the role belongs exclusively to state security organs.
“I call on citizens, political parties, candidates, supporters, civil society and media to exercise rights peacefully and responsibly,” he said.
Byakagaba reassured the public that the Uganda Police Force, working with sister agencies, is prepared to secure the entire electoral process.
The general elections are scheduled for 15th January 2026.
